kgi brochure

KAMPALA (GOAN) INSTITUTE CENTENARY COMMITTEE

Front row, left to right: Almir D’Cunha (Treasurer), Eurema Colaco, Antonio Mascarenhas (Chairman), Greta Dias, Norman D’Souza. Back row: Denis Pereira (Social Secretary), Aloysius Lobo, Bertilla De Souza (Secretary), Aloysius Mathias, Nick De Mello, Seira Furtado

SUB-COMMITTEESSocial Sub-Committee: Denis Pereira (Chair), Eurema Collaco, Greta Dias

& Seira FurtadoJohn H. Nazareth (Editor-Centenary Brochure)

Delphine Francis & Elma Da Costa (Co-Ordinators Of Holy Mass)

The Organizing Committee would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank our generous donors, sponsors and all who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of the functions.

Our sincere apologies to anyone whose name might inadvertently have been omitted. Thank you all!!!

Kampala (Goan) Institute, KampalaCrane Bank Limited, Kampala

AerotoursRoyal Bank, Canada\

Albert FernandezLazarus Pereira

Uvy Lopes

2010 KGI Centenary Brochure 1 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN KI CENTENARY COMMITTEE June 26th, 2010 A Hundred years ago, our pioneering founders could never have imagined that the Centenary Celebration of the Kampala Goan Institute would be held 12,000 kilometres away in far off Canada.

This Anniversary celebration gives us an opportunity to acknowledge and pay tribute to the courageous nineteen visionary Goan pioneers who laid the foundation for the Kampala Goan Institute on June 26th 1910. As Goan goodwill ambassadors to their new home in Uganda, Africa, they enthusiastically and courageously formed an institution where fellow Goans could meet, play and socialize. From a tiny tin-roofed shack, the club grew to the impressive institution that was a haven for countless Goan immigrants to Kampala. The site of the original club was never changed – again a testimony to the vision of the founders. They couldn’t have picked a more central location for what became one of the finest social and sports institutions in the city.

KGI members were recognized throughout East Africa for their sporting prowess. We excelled in hockey, cricket, tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Our members were key players in Ugandan and East African teams in international tournaments. Three KGI members were in the Ugandan Olympic hockey squad at the Munich Games in 1972.

KGI bonds of friendship have endured as is demonstrated by the overwhelming support our committee has received in organizing this Centenary celebration. Much has transpired over the last hundred years. Twelve years after celebrating a lavish 50th Anniversary, the vast majority of KGI members were forced to leave Uganda as part of the historic Asian Exodus of 1972. Almost overnight, the Kampala Goan Diaspora boosted membership of fledgling Goan Associations in many cities around the world primarily in Britain, Australia, the United States and Canada.

Fifty years ago, KGI founding member, Eugene A. Pinto stated: – “The past has been glorious, the present is prosperously passing, and the future is in trust with the younger members.” Political events prevented future members from carrying the KGI torch in the location of its inception but the strong membership bond was never severed. This Centenary celebration is a tribute to the KGI spirit that has motivated so many to attend from around the world to pass the torch to our children who have indeed done us proud in every country that gave us refuge.

I extend a warm welcome to Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia,Chairman of the Kampala Institute and the Hon. Rajni Tailor, Secretary of the Kampala Institute and Minister of State for Economic Planning Development & Investments, Buganda Kingdom, who travelled here from Uganda to represent the newly constituted Kampala Institute. My sincere gratitude for their generous donations without which we would have been unable to organize a celebration such as this.

Finally, an ambitious three day celebration such as this could not have been possible without an organizing committee that so unstintingly gave of their time and energy.

I send my most sincere greetings to all past and present members of the Kampala Institute and wish the Institute many years of success in the future. Antonio Mascarenhas

Table of contents overleaf …….

2 2010 KGI Centenary Brochure

Table of Contents

Page Title 1 Message from the Chairman of the Centenary Committee 3 Message from the Archbishop of Goa and Daman 4 Message from the Premier of Ontario 5 Message from the Mayor of Mississauga 6 Message from the Commissioner of NRI Affairs, Government of Goa 7 Message from the Board of Trustees, Kampala Institute 8 Message from the Consul General of India 8 Message from the Goan Overseas Association, Ontario, Toronto 8 Message from the Goan Overseas Association, NSW, Australia 8 Message from the Goan Overseas Association, Vancouver 8 Message from the Chairman, Mombasa Institute 9 Message from Father John Appelman 9 Message from the Bishop of Port Blair 9 Message from Mark Vaz, former President of KI 9 Message from Neru Rodrigues, former President of KI 9 Message from Aloysius Lobo, former President of KI 10 Their Spirit Lives On – The Founders 12 History of the KGI – Founding to Today 18 Executive Committees of the KGI 20 Centenary Celebrations – Schedule 21 Kampala Institute Centenary Song 24 A Brief History Of Sports Achievements 24 National Representations - Sports 25 Sports Achievements Among Our Descendants in Canada 29 Other Achievements 29 Leaders In Other Goan Organizations Post-1972 29 Memories Of The KI 29 Extract of History of G.O.A. Ontario Written in 1995 pertaining to the Expulsion 29 Remembering the KGI 30 Poly Pereira, Our Hero 30 A Dance In The Goan Institute 32 Michael Texeira - KGI's and one of East Africa's finest Sportsmen 33 Miscellaneous Articles By/About Members And Their Descendants 33 A Search for an Identity: Catholic Goans - How they fit in a predominantly Hindu India 34 The Origin Of The Gomesi/Busuuti 35 Remembering The Uganda Asian Expulsion Of 1972 36 The Goan Legacy... Living On In Uganda (Uganda Newspaper - In New Vision) 38 Odds And Ends On The Asian Expulsion Of 1972 38 How Hockey Determined the Number of Asian Refugees Accepted By Canada 39 The Smell of The Expulsion 39 Editor’s Note 40 List of Attendees

2010 KGI Centenary Brochure 3

ARCHDIOCESE OF ARCHBISHOP’S HOUSE, GOA AND DAMAN P.O. BOX NO. 216 PATRIARCHATE OF THE EAST INDIES Panjim- 403 001 GOA - INDIA CP/539/2010 Tel: (0832) 2223353 / 2225291 Fax No: 91-832-2224139 E-mail:[email protected]

M E S S A G E

I am glad to know that those who have been connected with the well known Kampala Goan Institute are eagerly looking forward to a Grand Worldwide Reunion in Toronto, on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Institute, to be celebrated from the 24th to the 27th of June, 2010. Goans have always been known for their sociability. Wherever they live in considerable numbers, they instinctively create a special bond with fellow-Goans. And this explains the existence, not only of the famous clubs and kudds of Bombay, but also of Goan Clubs, Associations, Institutes, etc. in every corner of the world. The Kampala Goans are no exception. Joining the hordes of fellow-Goans who were emigrating to East Africa in the beginning of the 20th century, they soon began to form themselves into clubs, the Kampala Institute being one of the most famous. After the great Goan exodus from Uganda in 1972, members of this Institute spread throughout the four corners of the world, their greatest concentration being perhaps in the city of Toronto. Wherever they went, they continued their ‘social club’ life-style and, more importantly, to offer an enormous contribution to the development of their adopted countries. And so it is that Toronto is getting ready for the Grand Reunion of Kampala Goans. I would like to be ‘present’ among them through this brief Message and to wish them all the best. Archbishop’s House, Panjim, Goa, February 20, 2010.

(+ Filipe Neri Ferrão) Archbishop of Goa and Daman

2010 KGI Centenary Brochure 5 June 26, 2010

Dear Friends: On behalf of members of Council and the residents of the City of Mississauga, I am pleased to extend greetings to the Kampala (Goa n) Institute on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary. Established for expatriate Goans in Kampala, Uganda, the Kampala (Goan) Institute has been providing Goans from across the globe with a connection to their culture and heritage. Through the many social and sporting activities, the Goan community is able to come together to share in these important event s. It pleases me to see that Mississauga has a thriving Goan community which has contributed positively to our ethnic diversity. Once again, on behalf of members of Council and the residents of the City of Mississauga, best wishes for a memorable evening.


M E S S A G E

I am glad to know that the Centenary Celebrations of the founding of

the Kampala Goan Institute are being held in June. Goans did settle abroad

over decades and centuries. Their hard work, their dedication and respect

for law and order made the Goan Diaspora a preferred community in most

parts of the world. In Uganda, they held high administrative positions in the

Civil Services, in business and in the private sector.

The Kampala Goan Institute Celebrations will certainly rekindle old

associations and help the new generation strengthen their ancestral roots. I

wish the Celebrations all success and convey my best wishes to the

Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Antonio Mascarenhas and to

all the participants.

SECRETARIAT, PORVORIM GOA INDIA – 403 521 Tels: 0832-2419515, 0832-2777800 FAX Nos 0832-2419851, 0832-2776868

Off E-mail [email protected] Ref: [email protected]


From the Kampala Institute, 2010

It is a great honour and an immense privilege for me to have been invited to convey my remarks in respect of the Centenary Celebrations of the Kampala (Goan) Institute in June 2010. I am indeed extremely humbled by this request. I would firstly like to congratulate the Chairman and members of the organising committee for their foresight, dedication and endeavours in organising the Centenary Celebrations to commemorate 100 years of the existence of the Kampala (Goan) Institute. I am fully aware that this is by no means an easily attainable task and the organising committee must have invested tremendous amount of time and effort to bring this event to fruition. They all certainly thoroughly deserve everyone's gratitude and appreciation and I, therefore, take this opportunity to sincerely register mine. In my view, as the world becomes globalised with the consequence that it brings about increasing mobility of peoples to move and settle in various parts of the world which where not even in the horizons of our forefathers dreams, it is extremely important for all communities not to lose sight of its heritage, culture, traditions and background. A celebration such as this whereas being nostalgic, in a wonderful way emphasizes that the Goan community had created heritage landmarks, in Kampala, Uganda and its culture and traditions are well and truly enshrined through institutions such as the Kampala Institute. Whereas, undoubtedly the original Goan community, in common with other Asian communities has decimated, the numbers are once again on the increase with a steady flow of new immigrants/settlers. This Centenary Celebrations, in my opinion, serves the dual purpose of reviving a journey down the memory lane and at the same time provides a word of encouragement to our future generation - new settlers - of the opportunities that exist in Uganda. It will also be a strong reminder to them not to forsake the crucial rope of their culture and traditions. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Antonio Mascarenhas who took time out of his holiday when he was in Uganda, to help sort out a few issues which have since been amicably resolved and we are all now working in peace & harmony. I would like to thank my co-trustees - Mr. Kiran Bhimjiani, Mr. Rajni Tailor, Mr.Joe Fernandes and Mr. Jos Almeida. And Committee members - Mr.Rajni Tailor, Mr.Kiran BHimjiani, Mr. Joe Fernandes, Mr. Jos Almeida, Mr. Atul Radia, Mr. Paku Patel and Mr. Subash Rawal, not to forget Ms. Delia Almeida who have given their valuable time to the Kampala Institute and to take it to greater heights. We have great plans for the Kampala Institute and will achieve them in the years to come. The Trustees and the Committee members also unanimously approved the donation of US$ 30,000/- towards the Kampala (Goan) Institute Centenary Celebrations . In conclusion, let me wish everyone who attends this remarkable celebrations a very joyous, enjoyable and memorable festivities during which you will be able to rekindle your old contacts and establish many new friends and networks. Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia Chairman , Board of Trustees


MESSAGE On behalf of the Goan Overseas Association in Toronto, I would like to congratulate the Kampala (Goan) Institute in achieving a very important milestone, its 100th Anniversary. The Kampala Institute played an important role in promoting Goan culture and creating community in Uganda. It was an important element in the lives of all Goan families as it enriched them socially and culturally. Many members of the Kampala Institute brought their vision to Toronto and contributed to the creation of the Goan Overseas Association 40 years ago. I would like to convey my warmest greetings to all those who were associated with the Kampala (Goan) Institute over the years and the current Organizing Committee. Special thanks to Antonio Mascarenhas, Bertilla DeSouza, Almir D’Cunha, Denis Pereira, Greta Dias, Nick DeMello, Norman DeSouza, Seira Furtado, Eurema Collaco, Aloysius Mathias and Aloysius Lobo. This group of proud Kampala Goans have organized three events that will be enjoyed by all those attending. I’m sure many happy memories will be shared over the three days! Oscar Furtado President, Goan Overseas Association, Ontario Toronto

MESSAGE

I am delighted to learn that the Kampala (Goan) Institute, Mississauga , which was established in Uganda in 1910 and whose members came to Canada after 1972, is planning its centenary celebrations in 2010. It is heartening to know that Kampala (Goan) Institute is doing a wonderful service to promote, preserve and sustain the unique heritage of Goa. Organization of cultural events to enable greater appreciation of India's rich heritage gives our younger generation a sense of pride about their history and heritage. India's relations with Canada are multi-faceted and have prospered over the years. The energetic and vibrant Indo-Canadian community has made an important contribution to bring the two countries closer. I take this opportunity to send my warm greetings and best wishes to all members of the Kampala (Goan) Institute and wish them all success in their future endeavours.

(Preeti Saran)

Consul General November 16, 2009

365 Bloor Street (E). Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3L4 Tel: (416) 960-0751/0752 • FAX: (416) 960-9812 • E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.cgitoronto.ca

Message It is with pleasure that I, on behalf of The Goan Overseas Association of NSW Inc., convey my congratulations and best wishes to the Kampala (Goan) Institute on the occasion of its Centenary Celebrations in June 2010. The Institute by virtue of its existence and age is an inspiration to other associations, as to the fulfillment of a vision, the dedication of volunteers, the support of members and the camaraderie and good governance of its committee. In this age of globalisation, remote associations are less unique than they would have been previously. But what is enduring, is the spirit with which they are created and the continuity of their values passed down through the generations. The instincts of humans to gather celebrate and enjoy in a community environment is proof in the longevity of the Kampala (Goan) Institute. We, at the Goan Association of New South Wales find ourselves at the juncture where our founding members are now senior members and the next generation is poised to take over the reins and carry on the good work and commitments as envisaged when the association was formed. In moving with the times there will be many alterations to the 'look' of the association but the core values and vision of the founding members will be continued - to showcase the culture and history of Goa and pass the same down to our children and perhaps one day reach a magnificent milestone and beyond - like the Kampala (Goan) Institute! Hearty congratulations on this memorable occasion, good luck with the celebrations and best wishes for the future from the Goan Association of NSW Inc.

Mark Soares President

Dear Antonio Mascarenhas Your e-mail of 24th March, 2010 refers. I was delighted with the contents and was 99.9% to make the travel to Toronto. Unfortunately I suffered a stress fracture on the spine operation I recently had in the U.K. I am now on the road to recovery but unfortunately am not allowed any long trips or strenuous exercises as I have considerable pain.

Thank you for the invitations - my personal thanks to Mr. Sudhir of the Crane Bank Ltd., Kampala for his benevolence in financing the KGI Centenary Celebrations.

I wish all members attending long life with happy memories of the past. May God Bless you all.

Franklyn Pereira. Chairman, Mombasa Institute Life Member of the Kampala Institute


To Chairman and Organizing Committee

My most memorable years as President was during 1970-1971 and was again elected President for the year 1972-1973. In my role as President of the KI. I had the priviledge of working with some very talented committee members and of course our Vice-President Neru Rodriques.

I remember the time towards the end, when Neru, Veron and I were in the club daily, giving our support and also distributing money to the Goans who were coming from the interior of Uganda, with no travel documents - those were sad times, I left around 15th October 1972. Yours sincerely Mark Vaz Former President, KI

To Chairman and KI Centenary Organizing Committee

On such an auspicious occasion, I would like to offer my most sincere congratulations to all the living members who are spread out all over the world.

Our thoughts must go back when 100 years ago, nineteen farsighted and courageous Goans founded the Kampala Goan Institute, my own father, Milagres Santana Rodrigues, being one of them; so you can imagine my pride. This pride will also be felt by the many descendants of the other founder members. Legions of Goans benefited over the years. Every Goan since, has contributed in every field be it religious, social, cultural and principally sports

The Sportsmen and Sportswomen have to this day kept alive the founder's dream. I remember the years when the DeSouzas and others were the "MIGHTY HITTERS" in the cricket field, the hockey wizardry of the Pereiras and others. Tennis and Badminton aces like the Diases, not forgetting the indoors high spirited and focussed card players including the "trook" tournament with St.Francis Xavier Club, who invariably won, and stage dramas featuring the incomparable Francis, Frank DeSouza and their group of Dramatists. THOSE WERE THE DAYS !!! WE CANNOT FORGET AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET. Sincerely Neru Rodrigues, Former President, KI

MESSAGE June 26th, 2010 Dear friends of the Kampala Goan Institute, I am very happy to add a few words of congratulations on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Kampala Goan Institute. And no wonder, because for some time I was part of it myself when I was Pastor of Christ the King Church in Kampala, and ever so often I visited the Institute when there were special functions, celebrations, and the many tombolas. I think that was the name for our Bingo here. And at one time I won a good prize myself. And you will also remember that I said Mass at the Institute a few times, in particular I think of the occasion of the 60th anniversary. I still have some pictures of this. I have very many fond memories of the years I was in Kampala, and the many Goan families I visited, the many children I baptized and the many couples I married. And how happy I have been that in the now almost 36 years here in Canada, I have met several of the Goan families in Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver. I particularly also remember the faithfulness of the Goan parishioners at the Holy Masses and other events at our Church, which as we all know was always called the Goan Church, and some of you may still have a copy of the short history I wrote about the Church. In conclusion I wish you God's many and fondest blessings on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Kampala Goan Institute. May you all have wonderful celebrations in Toronto relishing the many good memories of the many involvements. God love and bless you all abundantly. Father John Appelman, MHM, Former Pastor of Christ the King Church in Kampala between 1969 and 1973.

Dear friends,

I was privileged to be the 1971/1972 president of the Kampala Institute and during that first year of the Amin regime, I was grateful for the support and help of an able and dedicated committee.

You will recall that despite the political upheaval caused by the coup in January 1971, life at the KI soon returned to normal. We were lulled into believing that our idyllic lifestyle would continue. I did not foresee that within a few short months we would be banished, leaving an institution that our community loved and cherished for over 60 years.

I recall that on January 25th 1972, a pubic holiday commemorating the first anniversary of the coup, our social committee organized a full day of activities. In typical KI fashion, we celebrated Mass in the main hall followed by a well-attended ‘hop’ with the usual camaraderie at the bar, the dart board, the billiard room and the card tables.

That year, our sporting activities continued unabated. We hosted a German hockey team from Cologne University and three K.I. hockey stars represented Uganda at the Munich Olympics. Everything was normal until that fateful day in August when the General announced the expulsion.

The K.I. was more than our home away from home. It was where we played, prayed, danced and socialized; it was where many of us first met and wooed our spouses; where we celebrated Goan village feasts, weddings, anniversaries and other community milestones. It was the centre piece of our life in Kampala.

It is now my humble privilege to be part of this Centenary Organizing Committee and I wish you and your families a memorable and enjoyable celebration.

Sincerely Aloysius Lobo Former President K.I.

10 2010 KGI Centenary Brochure Their spirit marches on …

In a little room, only twelve by twelve, six young men were mutely sipping their drinks. Dejection had given way to animated discussion. A suggestion chat one of them had unexpectedly made had set the rest thinking. An answer was dearly expected. It was the moment for decision when mind and heart jockeyed for positions. Their silence was eloquent

They were the last of a score or more who had been in there that evening after their games, Some cheerful bachelors had moments earlier slammed the door to resounding 'Goodnights', and walked through the muddy puddles to the loneliness of their quarters,

The evening was wet and the night was chilly; in the bushes under the trees like a spoilt child in a tantrum, the beetle was holding forth, piercing he palpable darkness with its eerie screech as if annoyed by the few glow worms flickering in the elephant grass beyond. Somewhere in the dense foliage the crickets chirped with practised nonchalance like a chorus in comic opera.

He was a small man - our hero - the jolliest of them all with a fund of humour and a penchant for practical jokes. But tonight he was in earnest, or so he seemed. "Why can't we have our own club?" he had asked.

Lack of funds, the site and the 'etceteras' had certainly bothered them, But surely an infectious enthusiasm could take care of that.

He smiled as he scanned the answer in their faces. Then, as suddenly, he tapped his glass on the small table, pushed back his chair, drew himself up, and in an attitude of mock seriousness called for a toast.

The chairs ground harshly on the rough cast floor as three of his companions uncertain of their reactions to this melodramatic turn shuffled to their feet beside the toast-master and the cane sofa squeaked in comic relief yielding the other two. A bottle of mellowing caju wine was produced from the cupboard in the wall. The glasses were filled. After all, a toast was a good enough excuse for a drink!!

But our hero had indeed something to say. Taking his text in homespun fashion, from the conversion of St. Francis Xavier he intoned: "What does it profit a man to win a game for anothers fame and suffer the loss of his own name?" (Laughter, Hear, Hear). They were accustomed to his light hearted introductions, but did they detect a twinkle in his eye. Not this time. Plainly it was no facetious overture,

"No, gentlemen, I'm serious. We must have our own club ", he shouted. Their laughter rudely arrested, each was caught with an incongruous smile on his mouth like a crushed rubber toy gradually regaining shape.

I've heard your arguments," he went on, maintaining superb aplomb. "I'm aware of your

doubts and fears, but let it not be said of us that we lacked the courage." He paused, "Rather, let it be known chat we were second to none – Nulli Secundus." Captivated by his mood, they roared approval.

A gust of wind dwarfed the flame of the hurricane lamp in the ceiling, casting giant shadows on the walls.

There they stood, transformed, — men of destiny in their own small sphere. Entranced, they listened. “Let us not be deterred by the lack of funds," he continued, "Courage we have; then let. us not he found wanting in faith." (Hear, Hear).

Then with outstretched arm, pointing to a little board hanging in the corner, he added "That gentlemen, could solve our problems." "Cash or no cash", he went on, "today we shall write a blank cheque which, I feel certain, our brothers hereafter will honour." (Hear, Hear). Then sensing that all were with him, he added prophetically, " Let this day be remembered: for today we have planted the seed.

JCB DeSouza

2010 KGI Centenary Brochure 11 May the Tree never die and May Good Fortune attend all those who shelter under it…” In a broken voice raising his cup he ended, "To the Goan Club. Kampala - Long may it Prosper.'

For a moment they stood cheeks flashed, triumph shining in their eyes not knowing how to give vent to their feelings. 'What at first they presumed was a light hearted jest had blossomed into an Idea. Now their minds made up, overcome with emotion, they broke into a solemn rendering of the traditional Konkanim blessing to a toast: “Uddon guelem parveachem birrem….”,

Apocryphal as this story might be, old residents will tell you that that little board still hangs in that little room behind the counter of the Kampala Oriental Company. The legend on the little board reads? "Terms Cash - Blank Cheques can be obtained.” Situated in a comparatively back street today, fifty years ago it commanded prominence on what was then the 'Main Street' of Kampala, It was the rendezvous for all Goans.

So that was how, undaunted by lack of capital, with only their enthusiasm to draw upon, the pioneers zealously got down to work. And from that little room, the following day, they set out to plant the seed.

If you have the patience to see the humble acorn rise into a mighty oak, then well might you share in the day of planting and watch with gratitude the gradual process of its growth. The birth of an institution has for most of us a similar fascination, and looking back after fifty years the pageant of its progress cannot fail to evoke in our breasts a feeling of exhilaration.

For an institution, like a plant has its history of birth and growth. Much as the the sapling whose steady growth is determined by its nature, the progress of the infant institution is ensured by men of goodwill who, with patience, perseverance, endeavour and fortitude, work single-mindedly and unceasingly for the advancement of the aims and ideals set out in its constitution,

The 50th anniversary gives us an opportunity to pav a tribute to all those who have contributed cowards that progress. Primarily, it is a tribute to them - the few - who founded this institution. They were the home-country's first ambassadors of goodwill.

The spirit of fellow feeling and mutual respect which was an inalienable part of their breeding and which they engendered, was to see the institution through several vicissitudes, and is in a large measure responsible for the prestige that the institution and the community enjoy today.

The story of our founders is the story of the pioneers. And the spirit that imbued them was the zeal of the pioneer. For those were pioneering days.

There couldn't have been many before them who had left their native shores to seek their fortunes in lands across the seas. Their Spartan upbringing had prepared them for the perils of the voyage. The beanstalk trek from sea-level to the altitudes of Uganda must have had its hazards and its discomforts. They braved them all.

When at last they had set foot in the land of the Buganda they must have heaved sighs or relief. The Kingdom of Buganda was one of the few organised states that gleamed in the dark wilds of Africa. The people could not fail to be less stately than the trees and as gentle as the verdant hills that surrounded them. Gazing at Kampala it certainly was love at first sight.

But time and time again they caught each ocher looking wistful with nostalgia.

Often would they gather courage by reciting the Rosary together and singing in unison the Litany of the Blessed Virgin. Just as often they would gather on the playing fields for a game and later fill the evening air with a cheerful rendering of the 'mando to the accompaniment of violins.

They prayed together and they played together. The idea of a club was therefore a natural one - a place for a get-together a "home away from home."

The founding of a club in those early days was no mean task.

The turn of the century was rife with religious strife, insecurity and political upheavals. Barely fourteen years before, thirteen Roman Catholics had suffered martyrdom at Namugongo in the holocaust that raged. A year earlier Bishop Hannington had been murdered and Gordon Pasha had fallen in the Battle of Khartoum. Thirteen years later and eleven years before the founding or the club King Mwanga was captured. The Uganda Agreement was signed in 1900. The frontiers with the Sudan and Kenya were yet to be demarcated.

Communications hardly existed as we know them. Only in 1901 did the firs~ Uganda Railway reach the shores of Lake Victoria at Kisumu! The road to Entebbe led through dense equatorial forests and the bridge across the Nile was constructed as late at 1931. Nearer home, the band of six who set out from the K.O.C. picked their way along a footpath through towering reeds of elephant grass, to the foot of the Nakasero hill toward a place called “Jumba Thanu” so known because there were only five houses in the area

There, together with the 13 others who had joined them they selected the site.

So fortunate was their choice of site that today the club occupies a prominent place in the heart of town and is easily accessible to most of its members who live not very far from it.

This article, written by John Carneiro, was reprinted from the 50th Anniversary Booklet. Ed


History of the KGI – Founding to Today Founding

The initial meeting of the 19 Goans now known as the founders, held on 26 June, 1910 at Mr. E. A. Pinto's well known business premises, followed in the steps of Goans around the world. Goans have traditionally been a highly socialized community, forming socio-cultural clubs wherever we go. Our roots are social, emanating from our traditional village system of government (or "communidades") in Goa that continued for over 1000 years, and which extended to the kudds of Bombay.

In East Africa, the trail had been blazed by the Mombasa Institute (1901), Entebbe Goan Institute (1905), and the Nairobi Goan Institute (1905). As Kampala continued to grow and increase in commercial importance, the number of Goans in the town increased. In 1910 there must have been in the region of 200 men, women and children.

After the meeting of the nineteen, it was then agreed to start a club for recreational purposes styled "The Goan Recreation Club" and the first step was a grant of land in view of the fact that the health of the Goans in Kampala both physical and mental would improve by outdoor recreation. It was true that the introduction of some kind of physical exercise would help to ameliorate the present condition and thus make the monotonous times lively and enjoyable. Up to that time thanks to the members of the Kampala Sports Club, Goans were permitted to use the KSC sports field on certain days of the week for the purpose of their sporting activities.

The application to the P. C. was sympathetically considered in the light of recommendations by a score of other senior government officials and the size which was subsequently approved was the one on which the present Institute building stands. This was considered a very good choice for it was away from the dreaded swamps close by. The size of the plot was about one acre on an initial lease of 21 years and tennis courts were soon constructed. The construction of any building on the plot was for some strange reason precluded but two rustic benches were provided for the convenience of the sports enthusiasts. The lease was signed for by the first trustees who had to be officially approved by the Government, they being Mr. A. de Figueiredo, Mr. P. Leopold de Souza and Mr. M.S. Rodrigues. The entrance fee was then fixed at Rs. 15/- and the monthly subscription Rs. 1/-. As no permanent pavilion was constructed the meetings were conducted at the residences of the Managing Committee Members. First Recreational Activities

In 1914 a small pavilion or Banda was erected of corrugated iron sheets and timber to provide cover for the members. Cricket practice was conducted on a piece of land between the two tennis courts adjoining Circular Road (later Buganda Road). Cricket was played twice a week at the Kampala Sports Club and on these days tennis was suspended. Social gatherings were organized off and on in the Banda.

In 1915 a pavilion with railings was constructed at a cost of Rs. 600/- which was raised by loans from members of the club at Rs. 30/- per member earning interest at 3%. Donations were also received from some of the members and after sanction was obtained from the D. C. the new pavilion was inaugurated in September that year. It also enabled newspapers to be kept for the benefit of the members, which papers were bought by the Secretary every evening and taken home the same night.

1916 saw the dub fee raised from Rs.1/- to Rs. 2/- and thanks to the donation of a football by one of the members, small scale football practices were possible. A storm blew off the top of the pavilion in 1917 and it had to be closed. Necessary permission was obtained subsequently from the township authorities for a fairly solid structure with walls replacing the corrugated iron sheets and the inauguration of this building took place in August 1917. World War I

The end of WW I in 1918 was received with joy by the members and a dance was organized to celebrate the occasion. The loans given by the members were due to be repaid in 1919 but as the funds of the club were very low it was mutually agreed to postpone the payment. A library was also started this year with donated books and in 1920 a further expansion to the building was made with the addition of a room with financial help from the members. Holy Mass Celebrated

For the members' convenience and through the kind permission of Bishop Bierman, Mass was celebrated on the premises once a fortnight. In gratitude for this gesture of his, a collection was made by the members on the occasion of the Bishop's Silver Jubilee and the monies handed over to him for the purchase of a chalice and episcopal chair.

As the interest and caliber of sportsman rose members requested an expansion of the sports fields. In March 1921 an appeal was made to the Land Office for the grant of a sports ground. After much consideration, a site of 2½ acres was approved on a lease initially of 10 years on the plot at present at the corner of Nakasero and Kyagwe Roads. Before the lease could be signed the land authorities requested that in order to enable the trustees to apply for a Certificate of Registration as a Corporate body it was necessary for the club's name to be changed. Name Change

Around the same epoch, the Goan clubs in Mombasa, Entebbe, and Nairobi had changed their names to “Goan Institute”. This formed a model for the Kampala Goans and on petition filed by the club's management, the name was changed to “Goan Institute, Kampala”. The adoption of the new name necessitated the drafting of new rules, helped by legal opinion, which were approved by the General Body. The Club's seal was also ordered from the U.K., as a suitable one could not be had locally and the entrance fee which was Shs. 20/- was raised to Shs. 30/-.


In 1922 a corrugated iron shed, was erected on the sports ground at a cost of Shs, 200/- for keeping the sports kit and offering the spectators some shade; this shed lasted until 1973. The members frequenting the club's premises had now increased and the bar facilities were now extended with a regular stock and a member-in-Charge of the bar. A piano was also purchased for Shs. 1,000/- and levelling of the new sports ground undertaken at a cost of Shs. 500/. Increasing Sports Interest

As an incentive to the cricket enthusiasts, the Lowis Cup Trophy for cricket, open to all clubs in Kampala, was donated in 1923 by a member of the institute, Mr. Gerald Sequeira. In

1925 the trophy was won by the Institute under the captainship of its donor. The sporting activities of the Institute were now gaining popularity and with the new sporting facilities provided in the shape of the sports ground, tennis and badminton courts, the members took up games in a big way and numerous successes were achieved when playing in tournaments against the other clubs.

A further approach was made in 1929, in view of the increase in the number of members, to the Land Office to

obtain the grounds between the Institute buildings and Bombo Road. The application could not be approved, however, until the Town Planning Adviser, who was due to visit Uganda the following year had given his advice. In 1931 the Town Planning Adviser approved the grant of the land applied for

earlier and a lease of 49 years inclusive of the old was obtained from the Land Office. Construction of the two new Tennis and Badminton Courts were immediately started on the new plot and extensions to the building were also planned.

It should be mentioned here that primary classes were also being conducted at that time on the premises during the day by a few qualified Goan ladies. Building Extension

1932 saw the inauguration by the Provincial Commissioner Mr. Cox of the first major extension of the institute when a large hall and frontage facing Bombo Road were added, this being possible by the donation and loans of the members at that time. In 1938, electricity supply was

obtained from the East African Power and Lighting Company Limited and, the Club's own plant sold. A terrace was also constructed and used as a library.

The benevolence of the President that year Mr. N. Godinho is to be noted for he kept two cars at the disposal of the Hockey team to play in different tournaments, as transport for the players was now proving a hazard. World War II

1939 saw the advent of the 2nd World War and in response to an appeal from the Goan Community, Mombasa, it was unanimously agreed by the members to offer the shelter of their houses to families from the coast in case of need. Further extension to the Institute which we approved the previous year had to be dropped in view of the hostilities. A radiogram was now obtained and it helped members to listen to the news and also relieved the members' dance orchestra of some of their weekly tasks. The war effort was also supported and various fetes and musical programs were brought up during this time in aid of the Earl Haig's Poppy Fund and the Uganda War Fund. In 1940 even the Xmas tree had to be cancelled as there was a lack of toys.

By now many of the members of the Institute had enlisted in the signalling section of the Uganda Volunteer Reserve. A Kampala Goan War Fund Committee was also established The Institute rules were revised and new rules books printed. The framework of the roof was raised at a cost of Shs. 2300/- due to rain water leakage. This however proved very temporary and a further Shs. 2000/- was spent in 1943 to stem the defect.

BUILDING EXTENTION 1932

WINNERS – 1935 EGI CUP

LOWIS CUP WINNERS 1925

14 2010 KGI Centenary Brochure In 1944 it was agreed to have full lady members on the payment the monthly subscription of Shs. 4/-, no entrance fee being charged. To celebrate the institute Sports Dance some of the members even willingly offered the Institute their monthly whisky ration. A Tradition of Sports Visits

1945 saw us hosts to the Goan Institute, Kisumu during the Easter holidays and in 1946 the Goan Gymkhana, Nairobi, also paid us a visit during the same period. The Institute's white Sports shirts with sleeve ends, collars and pockets in maroon were officially approved by the General Body.

A contribution of Shs. 500/- was made to the Central Council of Indian Associations in Uganda who organized the All India Hockey Team visit in 1948. In addition a sundowner dance was held at the Institute in the visiting team's honour when a hockeystick was presented with a silver band round it, suitably engraved to mark the Team's visit to the Institute.

Rewiring of the Institute was undertaken in 1948 at a cost of about Shs. 3500/- and adequate electric fittings were made in the library and the stage. In 1950 the head boy Andreya, who had been with the Institute for 30 years, retired and in appreciation of his devoted services an occasion was held in his honour and a purse presented. He was also allowed a handsome gratuity and three months paid leave. Major Building Extensions Started

In 1951 the need for further extensions was very pressing and the lack of sufficient funds which had proved a deterrent in the past, was fully discussed at various meetings and it was decided to finance the loan required by voluntary loans from members, raising the levies on games, increasing the monthly subscription from Shs. 4/- to Shs. 6/- and also stepping up the entrance lee from Shs. 50/- to Shs. 100/- from the following year. A subcommittee under the chairmanship of Mr. R. Almeida was appointed to review the building plans where necessary. Extensions which were approved at a cost of Shs. 150,000/- provided for the widening of the main hall, separate room for billiards, table tennis, library, office, lounge and bar and for a terrace.

The death occurred in March 1952 of Mr. Norman Godinho, a donor of the Institute and President for many years in the past. His contributions both in services and donations to the Institute are beyond measure.

The extension had by now started piecemeal in such a way that the club was never closed for a single day. In view of the extensions at the Norman Godinho Goan School, some of the classes were held at the Institute premises. Further facilities to the sports enthusiasts were provided by the concreting of the 2nd Badminton Court by Mr. Menezes and the preparation of a Volley Ball court.

To augment the funds required for furnishing and other minor improvements, a fete was organized, 5% of the total collection being given to the Christ the King Church Fund and 5% to Lacy Cohen Charities. The Golden Jubilee Year

The first fifty years in retrospect was a fine proof of the Institute's vitality and inner strength and some thing we had much to be proud of. As the saying "Wisdom of the past is

Strength for the Future" so also it was hoped that this history would spur the next generation to rival the previous success and self sacrifice set by all and further the prosperity of the Institute in all fields, compatible with its motto " Nulli Secundus ". The members' untiring efforts permitted the Institute to cross the Diamond Milestone.

A full program of celebrations was organized by the President Mr. Peter Pereira and his Executive.

Independence The 1960s saw a wave of change occur in colonies

around the world. 1961 saw India marched into Goa and repossessed the province after many fruitless years of negotiations with the Portuguese. The Portuguese culture so imbued the Goan ethos that it would be many years before the majority of Goans outside Goa came to terms with India. In Goa itself, the modernization brought by India made the people realize the time warp they had lived in.

Changes also transpired in Uganda leading up to independence from Britain in 1962. There was little joint thought given to strategy for the community in the country. Goan families were left to their own thoughts as to whether they wanted to become Uganda citizens and stay in the country. Some discussion must have gone on among friends, but there was little if any general discussion. Politics in Uganda were unlike many African countries. The dominant political parties – the Democratic Party (DP) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) were divided more along religious lines – the DP being dominantly Catholic and the UPC Anglican.

It was estimated that about 32% of the 80,000 Indo-Pakistanis became citizens and in all likelihood this percentage applied to Goans too. Many Goans decided that they would return to Goa, whereas others had acquired British Citizenship and had plans to move there in time. However, within two years after Independence the processing of applications for citizenship slowed to a crawl, so it will never be known how many actually intended to take up citizenship.

October 9th, 1962 was a happy day when the new Prime Minister Milton Obote took office. The country was positive as it had a lot going for it. The Civil Service was the most efficient in Africa, thanks in a large part on the numerous Goans who worked in it. The Health Care system was also the best in Africa. Very few Goans were overtly political and so

1960 JUBILEE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

2010 KGI Centenary Brochure 15 life continued to be good. The Kabaka of Uganda became the (non-executive) President and head of state.

Non-African citizens of the country continued to be treated well. All Ugandan citizens continued to have their education either subsidized or free. Post-secondary education was free. Goans continued to be promoted to high positions in the Civil Service – even those who were non-citizens. There was little of the Africanization policy that we observed in neighbouring Kenya. Political Unrest

The first sign of unrest began when the political alliance between the UPC and The Kabaka Yekka Party disintegrated. In the disagreement that ensued the Prime Minister sacked the President, abolished the local kingships, changed the constitution and declared the country a republic, with himself as Executive President.

To a large extent these troubles left the Goan community untouched, but it was a signal to some Goans that it was time to move, especially because applications for citizenship were not being processed. So it was in 1967 that a few Goans started moving to the UK, Goa and Canada. By 1970 some 20% of the Goans had left.

As time progressed the Institute evolved. Africans were now being given a greater opportunity to take part in political and economic life of the country. A few became members of the Institute and even joined the Executive. As the KGI admitted more non-Goan members it decided to drop the word “Goan” from its name to make it clear that the Institute was open to all. Expulsion Of Asians

On January 25, 1971 General Idi Amin led the army to overthrow President Milton Obote. For many this was an ominous sign as the armed forces had few skills in leading a government. However, after some early skirmishes, life settled down and Goans continued to live normally. It is perhaps significant that what affected Goans more was that the civil service work day shifted from a 6-day week (8:00am to 4:00pm, weekdays and 8:30am to 12:30pm on Saturdays) to a 5-day week (8:00am to 5:00pm). This extra hour during the week had a significant impact on sports, a pastime that Goans just couldn’t get enough of.

The militarization of the country started affecting all aspects of life and a general deterioration in security started. Goans continued to have good relations with all. Africans found the Goans easy-going and we shared a lot in common – our religion, love of alcoholic beverages, and love of socializing.

General Amin started using different groups as scapegoats when the Army’s incompetence in running the country became more obvious. And then it was our turn ….

On August 4, 1972 General Amin announced that that he had discovered that “Asians” (Indians and Pakistanis) were milking the economy and therefore to save the country he was going to give those Asians who were not Uganda citizens 90 days to leave the country. At first people thought this was a joke, but slowly it began to sink in and the government took steps to facilitate this decision. The various Ministers aghast

at the loss to the infrastructure of the country took to exempting certain classes of people from the Expulsion order.

At the Institute there was a sense of resignation about the chaos that was to follow. However, it was expected that a significant portion of the Goan community and other Asians would remain as some 40% were Uganda Citizens. (Although early estimates on the number of Asians in the country at the time pointed to 80,000, in fact many had left over a period of three years and it is believed that at most there were 46,000 in 1972.) A meeting was organized by the Goan Association at the KGI to examine a joint approach to the Expulsion. It was decided that the Association would use its reserve funds to help poor Goans who wanted to return to Goa but were short of funds to purchase their tickets.

Then General Amin, deciding that not enough Asians were leaving, announced that those who were Uganda Citizens would also have to leave. Although he later changed his mind, it was now clear to all what his intentions were. In early September 1972 the United Nations opened mission to accept stateless refugees and Canada decided to accept those who qualified regardless of citizenship. At this almost everybody made up their minds to leave. The Deadline Arrives

On November 5, 1972 all Asians who were still in the country had to register. The number of Goans in the KI were now down to at most 20% of its previous numbers. And even these would leave in time. Sports continued to be played.

Sometime between November and December 1972 the Entebbe Institute and the Kampala Institute played what would be the last hockey match on the KI field. After this there weren’t enough players left to play hockey in either club. And with the death of hockey, the death of the Goan community in Kampala couldn’t be far behind.

Where Goans Went to When the Institute was founded in 1910 there were about

200 Goans in Kampala including men women and children. At its peak (in 1960), the population rose to some 6000 Goans in Kampala and around another 1000 in the rest of the country. By the time of the Expulsion, the population had dropped to 5500 or so. Of this number it is estimated that 1800 went to India, 1800 to the UK, 900 to Canada, 400 to Australia and the rest to Europe and the USA. These Goans would be a boon to the fledgling Goan communities around the world and

KI-EI LAST HOCKEY MATCH LATE 1972

16 2010 KGI Centenary Brochure provided talent to the organizing committees and sports teams, and indeed to the countries that welcomed them. Loss of the Building

Sometime in late 1972 (probably December) around 1:30pm armed Prison Officers surrounded the club. Some entered the building and asked Joe Fernandes, Jos Almeida and a few other members present to leave, stating that the Government had allocated the building to the Prison Officers. Thus ended a chapter in one of the greatest Goan clubs in East Africa. Regain of the Building

In 1983, four years after the overthrow of the Amin regime, the government of the day declared that all expropriated Asian properties were to be returned to their original owners. A number of members living in Uganda submitted a claim for repossession, but were rejected. This was the beginning of a fight to reclaim the club. Those involved were Jos Almeida, Joe Fernandes, [the late] Arthur De Mello and [the late] Professor Joe Carasco.

Thanks to the persistence of these members, especially Joe Fernandes, an appeal to the Supreme Court was successful. On July 14, 1995 the building was handed over to Jos Almeida and Joe Fernandes. And the Future ….?

It is not clear what the future lies for the Goan community in Uganda. On November 8, 2008 an article appeared in the Uganda newspaper New Vision “The Goan Legacy... Living On In Uganda” (reprinted herein). We would hope that it is a new beginning, but for those of us who left, we know that Uganda was truly our Paradise Lost. Postscript

During the good times and trying times, the Goans always faced life with strong community relationships and a strong acceptance of the providence of God. It led a Bishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto to say “What would we do without the De Souzas and Fernandes’s?” We have and will endure, enriching the lives of our members and all those around us in the societies we became part of.

For the period 1910 to 1960, this history used extensive extracts from the history written by John Carneiro for the Golden Jubilee Brochure. Ed. EARLY PHOTOGRAPHS

EARLY PICTURE - UNDATED

KGI BACHELORS 1927

1928 - A GROUP SNAP TAKEN ON THE OCCASION OF A FAREWELL PARTY GIVEN TO HIS LORDSHIP BISHOP BIERMAN ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM UGANDA


LADIES’ DAY 1948


Executive Committees of the KGI Between 1910 and 1960, the Presidents, Vice-Presidents, General Secretaries and Treasurers were documented in the Golden Jubilee brochure. These were: Presidents: Jacinto de Souza (1910, 1911), S. M. Alfonso (1912), A. X. Cardozo (1912. 1913, 1916), C. F. da Rocha (1914, 1919), M. S. Rodrigues (1915), F. X. Saldanha (1917), N. Godinho (1918, 1920, 1925, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941), J.C.B. de Souza (1921), J. X. de Mello (1922), A. de Figueiredo (1923), E. Fernandes (1923), Graz Fernandes ([924), J. B. Pinto (1931), C. M. da Silva (1934), Marshall de Souza (1935), L. C. de Souza (1936), E. A. Pinto (1937), A. V. da Costa (1942), R. Almeida (1943, 1945, 1946, 1948), J.C.C.D. Cruz (1944), A. de Albuquerque (1947), E. Pinto (1949, 1951), L.P. Saldanha (1950), S.X. Menezes (1952, 1956), C. de Souza (1953), F. X. Lobo (1954), Dr. M.C. Condillac (1955, 1956), J.C. Machado (1957), E.A.J. Fernandes (1958). P.I. Pereira (1959, 1960). Vice-Presidents: A. Carrasco (1934), E.A.J. Fernandes (1935, 1947), Philip de Souza (1936, 1937), S.P. de Souza (1938), A. da Costa (1939), F.X. Saldanha (1940), Marshall de Souza (1941) J. C. C. da Cruz (1941), C.T.F. Dias (1943), L.C.A. Carneiro (1944), E. Pinto (1945), J.C. de Souza (1946), C.C. da Costa (1948), C. de Souza (1948, 1951), D. de Souza (1949), P. Braganza (1950), R. Mascarenhas (1952), H. de Souza (1953), M. Rodrigues (1954, 1959), B.I. de Souza (1954), S.X. Menezes (1955, 1956), L.F. Lobo (1956), F.X. Lobo (1957, 1958), Bob Zuzarte (1959), C.A. Lobo (1960). General Secretaries: C.F. da Rocha (1912, 1916), A.T. da Rocha (1912, 1913), P. Castellino (1913), A.B. de Souza (1913), F.X. Saldanha (1913, 1918, 1920, 1922), J.X. de Mello (1914), P.M, de Souza (1915), D.R. Abreo (1917), J. Fialho (1919), S.P. Dias (1920), J.C. Faria (1921), A.B. Fernandes (1923), D.F. Fernandes (1923), N. Gomes (1924). A.M. da Cunha (1925), T. de Sa (1931), S.X. Menezes (1934), F. de Souza (1935), Peter Vaz (1936), F.A.J. Fernandes (1937), J.C. Machado (1938), P.P. Mascarenhas (1939), L. Pinto (1940. 1941), L.F. Lobo (1941), M.T. Henriques (1942), Jack Fernandes (1943), L.P.D. Abreo (1944), C. de Souza (1945), R.A. Lobo (1945), F.X. Lobo (1946, 1948), H. de Souza (1947), F.M. de Souza (1949, 1950), Salu Lobo (1949, 1953), A.J.P. Mathias (1951), John B. de Souza (1951), J. Carneiro (1952), D. Mendes (1953), M. Morenas (1954), A. Nazareth (1954). B. J. de Souza (1955). J.G. Pires (1956), R. Correia (1956, 1957), Nap Remedios (1957, 1958, 1959), Eric de Souza (1959, 1960). Treasurers: A.X. Cardozo (1912), J.X. de Mello (1912), A.J. Mascarenhas (1913, 1914), F.X. Saldanha (1915), F.X. Fernandes (1916, 1918, 1919, 1923), P. B. Saldanha (1917), A.G. Carvalho (1920), J.M. Deniz (1921), A.G. Antao (1922), L. Rodrigues (1923), A. Carrasco (1924), F. Correa

(1925), A. Abreo (1924, 1935, 1942), L. Pinto (1936), P.P. Mascarenhas (1937, 1938), M. F. Leitao (1939), Q. Menezes (1940), Peter Vaz (1941), L.P.D. Alvares (1943), T. Lobo (1944), M. de Souza (1945), F.X. Lobo (1945), J.C. Rattos (1946), C.J.R. da Costa (1947), R.S.F. Lobo (1948, 1954), Mick C. Abreo (1949), P. Braganza (1949), John de Souza (1950), A.L.B. Saldanha (1951), Nap Remedios (1952), C.A. Lobo (1953), Salu Lobo (1955, 1956), C. de Souza (1956), J. Falleiro (1957), I. E. Lobo (1958, 1959, 1960). Between 1961 and 1963 we have no records 1964-1965 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Bob Zuzarte President Francis D’Sa Vice-President Peter F. Mendonca General Secretary Ben D’Sa Assistant General Secretary Epifanio I. Lobo Treasurer Caesar Fernandes Deputy Treasurer Marshall Pereira Assistant Treasurer Jos Almeida Social Secretary Denis Pereira Assistant Social Secretary Paul D’Souza Assist. Sec. Literary/Cultural Andrew Lobo Sports Secretary Anthony D’Souza House member Abu d’Souza Member Salvador Menezes Member Joe Martyres Member Santana Vaz Auditor Salu Lobo Auditor Antonio Mascarenhas Auditor 1965-1966 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE E.A.J. Fernandes President Marshall Rodrigues Vice-President J.U.O. Lobo General Secretary Jos Almeida Assistant General Secretary I.E.Lobo Treasurer Marshall Pereira Deputy Treasurer Ben D’Sa Assistant Treasurer Amaro Mascarenhas Social Secretary Peter Mendonca Literery and Cultural Activities Thelma Lobo Literary and Cultural Activities Carlito Mascarenhas Sports Secretary Antonio Mascarenhas Assistant Sports Secretary Aloysius Mathias House Member Paul De Souza Member Dolly Oliveira Member Celly Dias Member 1966-1967 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE E.A.J. Fernandes President Marshall Rodrigues Vice-President J.U.O.Lobo General Secretary Jos Almeida Assistant General Secretary

2010 KGI Centenary Brochure 19 I.E.Lobo Treasurer Marshall Pereira Deputy Treasurer Ben D’Sa Assistant Treasurer Amaro Mascarenhas Social Secretary Peter Mendonca Literery and Cultural Activities Thelma Lobo Literary and Cultural Activities Antonio Mascarenhas Sports Secretary Carlito Mascarenhas Assistant Sports Secretary Aloysious Mathias House Member Paul De Souza Member Dolly Oliveira Member Celly Dias Member 1967-1968 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Neru Rodrigues President J.B.Moraes Vice-President Eric J. D’souza General Secretary Phillip D’Souza Asst. Gen. secretary I.E.Lobo Treasurer Manu Pinto Deputy Treasurer Marshall Pereira Asst. Treasurer Felix D’Mello Sports Secretary Roland Figueiredo Asst. Sports Secretary Antonio Mascarenhas Social Secretary Pocy Fernandes Asst. Social Secretary P. Matovu Sec. Social/Cultural Activities C.D’Costa Asst. Sec. Social/Cultural E.A.J Fernandes House Member D.Batuwa Member F. Dias Member Quiteria Pinto Member 1968– 1969 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Neru Rodrigues President Daniel Batuwa Vice-President –Adm. Joe Lobo Vice-President –Sports Manuel Pinto General Secretary Phillip D’Souza Asst. General Secretary Epifanio Lobo Treasurer Quiteria Pinto Deputy Treasurer Leslie D’Souza Asst. Treasurer Antonio Mascarenhas Social Secretary Pocy Fernandes Asst. Social secretary Celly Dias Sports Secretary Willie Lobo Asst. Sports Secretary Camilo C.D’Souza Sec. Literary/Cultural activities Freddie Dias Asst. Sec. Literary/Cultural Francis Lima House member Frank D’Souza Member Delphino A. Fernandes Member 1969– 1970 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Neru Rodrigues President Aloysius Mathias Vice-President Administration

Mark Vaz Vice-President Sports Ulrico Lobo General Secretary Ben D’Sa Assistant General Secretary I.E.Lobo Treasurer Francis D’Lima Asst. Treasurer Quiteria Pinto Deputy Treasurer Celly Dias Sports Secretary Anthony Mathias Asst. Sports Secretary Antonio Mascarenhas Social Secretary Camilo d’Souza Asst. Social secretary Ponciano Fernandes Sec. Literary/Cultural activities Greeba Rodrigues Asst. Sec. Literary/Cultural Hilary D’Souza House Member Ramesh Kakad Member Peter Paul D’Souza Member I.N.D’Souza Auditors D. Mistry Auditors Joe Rodrigues Auditors 1970 –1971 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mark Vaz President Ben D’Sa Vice-President Admin. Remy Britto Vice –President Sports Jos Almeida General Secretary Manuel Pinto Asst. General Secretary Nobby D’Souza Treasurer Dinshaw Mistry Assistant treasurer Pocy Fernandes Deputy Treasurer Antonio Mascarenhas Social Secretary Felix D’Mello Asst. social secretary Peter Matovu Sec. Literary/Cultural activities Michael Sequeira Asst. Sec. Literary/Cultural Milu Rodrigues Sports Secretary Wences D’Souza Asst. Sports Secretary Delfino Fernandes House member Epifanio Lobo Member Felix Lobo Member 1971 – 1972 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Records incomplete. Aloysius Lobo President Aloysius Mathias Vice-President Admin. Epifanio Lobo Treasurer Bob Zuzarte Jos Almeida Joe Martyres Antonio Mascarenhas 1972/73 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Records incomplete. Mark Vaz President Neru Rodrigues Vice-President (Admin) Antonio Mascarenhas Social Secretary Peter Matovu


KAMPALA (GOAN) INSTITUTE - CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS THURSDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2010 Toronto Harbour Cruise: A 3 hour cruise on the elegant 3 storey yacht “NORTHERN SPIRIT”. Pier 6, Queens Quay Terminal Building, 207 Queen’s Quay, Toronto 400 members signed up to enjoy this cruise and a spectacular view of the Toronto skyline. Feast on a hot dinner buffet with all the trimmings and a fully stocked cash bar. Your first drink is on the house. Time: 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Please be on board by 6:30 p.m.) Dress Code: Casual Live Band and DJ: Chris Lobo/Rhythm Nation Band. SATURDAY, JUNE 26TH, 2010 Black Tie Dinner-Dance at Pearson Convention Center- Halls A/B/C Dress Code: Black Tie or formal business attire. Cocktail Reception 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Patio Area) A uniformed doorman will welcome you to a fabulous assortment of Hors D’oeuvres/Cold Canapés served with an assortment of complimentary beverages including Tropical Punch, red and white wines. You have the option to purchase your choice of alcoholic beverages not served by circulating waiters. Soft drinks are free. Music: Lobby pianist, Goa Amigos and DJ Logan Grand entrance into the professionally decorated ballroom at 7.00 p.m. Festivities begin with a complimentary glass of Champagne, cutting the centenary cake, and the Chairman’s Toast to the Founders and KGI members. M.C. Denis Pereira You will be dazzled by the lavish gourmet cuisine befitting the exquisitely decorated hall and ambiance of this Centenary Celebration. Your meal will be served at your table with a complimentary bottle of red and white wine. At midnight you will be treated to a table of delicious late night snacks and refreshments to keep you going. Dancing to 2:00am SUNDAY, JUNE 27TH, 2010 Holy Mass and Closing Ceremony - Pearson Convention Center – Halls A & B Dress Code: Casual From 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Holy Mass at 1:00 p.m. Main Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Joseph Rodrigues, Deacon: Dr. Terence Da Silva After Mass, enjoy a fabulous hot and cold luncheon buffet. Cash bar. Band in attendance: Chris Lobo/Rhythm Nation Band.


Centenary Song: “KGI Forever"

Forever and ever, we always will be Forever linked, through our history The years have gone by A century has passed Our spirit will live on Through all eternity Chorus May good times and great times Be with us Matter not where the place we live Our founding fathers before us Their vision and love lives timelessly Forever and ever, let’s never forget The good times had In our borrowed land The dances and sports The memories rich But most of all the bonds of our heritage Chorus Forever and ever, this week will remain Renewed acquaintance In our new found land From far away places We thank all who came May joy and blessings follow you each glorious day Chorus (Repeat the last line) Composed by Tom and Joan Francis, Errol and Delphine Francis and William Fernandes


CHRISTMAS MASS AT THE KI 1968

Speech by Mr. Y. K. LULE, Minister of Social Development (and later President of Uganda in 1979)

CHRIST THE KING CHURCH

PARISH CHURCH FOR MOST OF THE GOANS IN KAMPALA


RI SPORTS VISIT 1959

WEST GERMAN NATIONAL HOCKEY TEAM VISITS THE KI 1972

24 2010 KGI Centenary Brochure A BRIEF HISTORY OF SPORTS ACHIEVEMENTS Towards the end of the first 50 years of the KGI, the stage was set for tremendous "growth" in the life of the KGI. The various social activities - tombolas on Sundays - the annual Bachelor's Ball, Ladies Day on December 26th, the monthly dances and the annual Sports Gala dance, the Christmas and New Year dances and even the Christmas midnight Mass, because the Church was overcrowded, all provided wonderful "boy-meets-girl" opportunities that enhanced the social life of the KGI. On the sporting side, there were many occasions when neighbouring Goan Clubs from Kenya and Tanzania came on Sports visits to the KGI. Even though competition was fierce on the sports field, the camaraderie was great after the game, particularly at the KGI bar where Abdul was ever so willing and never tired to serve all the patrons. Locally, we had several tournaments in Uganda - in tennis, badminton, table tennis, cricket and hockey at which our players honed and polished their skills and worked hard to maintain the Founders' motto: Nulli Secundus. Tennis: Two players - father S. P. Dias (1935) and son Celly Dias (1953), had won the Uganda Open tennis Men's Single trophy several years apart. This was followed by Al Mathias and Denis Pereira winning the Uganda Open Men's Doubles trophy. In addition, the KGI tennis team won the Kampala & District Tennis League tournament and our players Denis Pereira and Al Mathias won the men's singles and doubles trophies in the Entebbe Open tennis tournaments. And all our tennis players fared very well in the various Open tournaments. Field Hockey: We participated in the Entebbe Goan Institute (EGI) and Bandali Jaffer annual tournaments and also practiced hard for the East African premier, multi club tournament in Nairobi, the annual M. R. D'Souza Gold Cup. The EGI Hockey league and the Bandali Jaffer Hockey trophy provided our players with many inter-club competitions. The KGI teams won several of these and they were teams hard to beat. The highlight of the hockey season was, of course, the club's participation in the M.R. D'Souza Gold Cup Hockey Tournament in Nairobi, which the KGI won in 1957, and provided strong opposition in the ensuing years that they entered the tournament. This tournament brought the cream of hockey players and Clubs to the event and winning the trophy was indeed a fine achievement! Cricket: The Lowis Cup tournament and the annual Triangular tournament - Europeans, Asians and Goans - was later expanded to the Quadrangular Cricket tournament when the Asians were split into Muslims and Asians - and it was then changed to the Pentangular Cricket, when the African side was included. This was all great fun for the players as well as for the spectators! And we dare say that our KGI cricketers, together with players from other Goan clubs, Entebbe, Soroti and elsewhere in Uganda, were always a force to be reckoned with! When the Goan XI beat the very formidable and experienced European XI in 1953, they were rightly called and referred to as the Giant Killers! NATIONAL REPRESENTATIONS (Note: The following list is compiled from the memories of players and others. It is quite possible that there may be errors and omissions and we regret that. There is no intention to omit giving credit to any of our sportsmen and women) Badminton: Hildebrand Dias represented Uganda in all RSL badminton tournaments held since 1961 between Kenya, Kenya Coast and Tanzania. He captained the Uganda Team and also acted as team manager, represented Uganda against the National Malaysian Badminton team and the Indian National Team when they visited Uganda. In the women's side, Rena Dias and Norma D'Souza also represented Uganda in the mixed doubles and ladies' double matches. Women's Hockey: The following KGI women represented Uganda at various times: Zulema de Souza *, Delphine Francis (nee D'Souza), Ella Gomes *, Clara D'Mello *, Eurema Colaco, Elizabeth Pereira. (* indicates that they also represented Uganda in Delhi at the 1st Asian Women's Hockey Championship in 1968.) Zulema also represented the African XI against the Asian XI in India, in 1968. The other KGI women players who played in the "B" team (not in the National Team but accompanied the national Uganda XI,) who merit honourable mention are: Laura Carvalho, Adelaide D'Souza, Dolly Pereira, Betty Lima, Celine Coelho, Edith Dias, Adriana Anne D'Souza and Nita Lobo (nee D'Souza). Men’s Hockey: Our players provided the backbone of the Uganda Squad and the following players represented Uganda in the different years - some of them for several years running! They were: Victor Pereira (1948-52), Michael Texeira (1948-52), Willie Lobo (1959-72), Joe Lobo (1954-72), Al Mathias (1952-66), Josy Pereira (1956-66), Poly Pereira (1952-72), Roland Colaco (1954-72), The above players were also part of the different East African representative teams. The other national players were Abu D'Souza, Chris Pereira, Roger Gomes, Felix Britto (1952-59), Charlie D'Souza (1959) , Donat D'Souza (1969),

2010 KGI Centenary Brochure 25 Denis Pereira (1969), Osbert Remedios (1969), Remy Colaco, Lewellyn D'Costa, Leslie D'Costa, Novarro Quadros, Stan De Souza and Donat De Souza. Willie Lobo, Poly Pereira and George Moraes were the three KGI/KI Members who represented Uganda in the Uganda Hockey Olympic Squad in Munich in 1972. Table Tennis: Hildebrand Dias, Anthony Mathias, Canute Mathias and Dolly Pereira represented Uganda in table tennis and fared very well. Dolly Pereira also won the East African Triple Crown - singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles - while Anthony Mathias won the East African Men's Singles Trophy. Novarro Quadros partnered Tony Rodrigues (of Jinja) and won the Uganda Junior Doubles title (1960-62). Squash: Caji DeSouza represented Uganda in two rubber matches against Kenya in 1972. Cricket: The following KGI members represented Uganda in Cricket: John Sequeira (1947 - '59), Michael Texeira (1947 - '59), Charlie D'Souza (1958 - '68), Al Mathias (1957), Lawrence Fernandes, Celly Dias (1961), Peter De Souza, Carlito Mascarenhas and Edwin Fonseca. Snooker and Billiards: The enthusiasm and coaching in the KGI, for Billiards and Snooker, was led by experienced players like Patrocin Abreo, Deoniz D'Souza, Theo and his brother Philip D'Souza. The sport caught on fast and players like Vito Mendonca, Cary Sequeira, Milo Pinto, Anthony Mathias, Eric Gunputhrav, and others achieved very good skills. KGI members Andy Lobo and Reuben Rebello represented the Uganda team of ten players that played against the Nairobi Goan Gymkana and the Mombasa Institute and gave creditable performances. Vito Mendonca was the runner-up to Eddie Rodrigues in the Uganda Open; he also had the privilege to play Wilson Jones, the world amateur champ in an exhibition game. Darts: One very enthusiastic player was Mr. D A Fernandes who always had his darts ready at hand to give anyone a challenge! This game took off in the '60s and its popularity grew so much that from one Dart Board we ended up having Ten boards to cater to the appetite of the members. The KGI team entered several local matches, most notably against the Entebbe GI, where the games were always so very competitive. In the first Uganda Open Darts tournament (1971) the finalists with two KI members – Ferdie Rodrigues and Poly Pereira, with Ferdie prevailing. Ferdie was also presented the Golden Dart Award in the same tournament for score 3 triple 20’s twice. The following year Ferdie won the Uganda open doubles title together with Helen De Mello (of Entebbe). Tennis: Celly Dias represented Uganda in the team against Kenya in 1956. There weren't any international matches per se after that, since the annual Uganda Open Tennis Championships attracted several foreign players not only from Kenya but also from Nigeria, Russia, Australia and India. Sports Achievements Among Our Descendants in Canada In Field Hockey we have been represented in the Canadian National Team by Kevin Pereira, Cedric Vaz, Shaun De Souza, John De Souza, Carlton Mathias (Canadian Juniors) and Wayne Fernandes (who has just achieved his 200th cap). David Nazareth attained his F.I.H. Crown (Grade 1) rating as Canada’s premier umpire (1979-94) and umpired several international tournaments. We had the delight of having Wayne De Souza represent Canada in the 2008 Olympics together with John De Souza who was a coach of that team. John is currently the coach of the Canadian Women’s Field Hockey national team. Daryn De Souza play for Halifax’s St Francis Xavier University (Nova Scotia) team in the Vanier Cup Final (Canadian Football) in the late 1990s. Several of our women and men have also represented their provincial teams. Sports Review prepared by Al Mathias


WINNERS – GOLD CUP 1957

1968 GOLD CUP RUNNER-UP


1948 TRIANGULAR - TEXEIRA CAPTAINS GOAN IX VS EUROPEAN XI


OLYMPIANS 1972 – GEORGE MORAES, POLY PEREIRA, WILLY LOBO

2010 KGI Centenary Brochure 29 OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS The forced immigration to other parts of the world compelled/enabled our Goan members to pursue further studies to allow them to enhance their positions and level in the corporate or business sectors. It also provided their children with much greater opportunities than if they were in Uganda and this has all resulted in many of our members achieving/enhancing their educational qualifications. It also enriched Goan organizations around the world with organizational talent. Leaders In Other Goan Organizations Post-1972 Among the organizations we have provided:

• Presidents of GOA Ontario were former members or their descendants: Martin A C Rodrigues, Zulema DeSouza, John Nazareth, John Noronha, Errol Francis, David Nazareth, Oscar Furtado. Note: Zulema De Souza during her term organized the world’s first International Goan Convention in 1988. Denis Pereira as VP Sports organized

in 1986 the largest and most successful Gold Cup Tournament (in terms of number of international teams and spectators) in Toronto. • Presidents of GOA Vancouver: Vinolt Antao, Peter Paul De Souza, Benny Fernandes, Willie Lobo, Mike Sequeira,

Mark Vaz, Vilasini Pinto nee Antao, Sam Correia, Chris Da Silva, Cleto Dos Remedios, Shona Lobo, • Quebec Goan Associaton: Neru Rodrigues, Jerome De Souza, Phyl Gomes, Rose De Souza (Presidents). • Presidents of Other Goan Associations: Melinda Fernandez nee Sequeira (Hamilton Goan Association), Cecil Pereira

(Goan Association UK), Chappie Lobo (GOA Perth), Mark D’Souza, Joseph De Lima, Alban Rattos and Laura Rattos nee Carvalho (GOA NSW) and numerous other positions in Executives.

Arts/Academics: We have around the world among our members and descendants several professors and associate professors, in fields as diverse as Literature, Anthropology, Agriculture, Mathematics, Law, Medicine, Pathology, Travel & Tourism, artists, writers. Professional/Business: Among our numbers are Engineers (Civil, Electrical, Nuclear, Electronics, Systems, Aeronautics, Reliability), Lawyers, Physicians, Chartered Accountants, Real Estate moguls, journalists, TV and Radio personalities and producers, clergy etc.. They have risen to become Principals of schools, Senior Corporate Executives in the business sectors and holders of senior management positions in the Government and non-profit sectors. MEMORIES OF THE KI In this section we have a number of articles and extracts of articles and novels, that either allow us remember the KI, or show us how the Expulsion of Asians impacted Goan organizations around the world.

Extract of History of G.O.A. Ontario Written in 1995 pertaining to the Expulsion Within two years of striking roots on Canadian soil, the GOA was put to the test when the Canadian government accepted more than 7000 Asians, including 800 Goans, expelled from Uganda in 1972. The GOA worked closely with federal agencies, sponsoring many families and helping some families settle in Toronto. Alvaro (Al) Saldanha, who was the then Treasurer of the GOA attended meetings of the government’s Toronto Uganda Committee regularly, made numerous calls to Neru Rodrigues, [former] President of the Kampala [Goan] Institute, to collect names of people who were having difficulty getting visas, and arrange letters of sponsorship through the Immigration Ministry. Many arriving Goans will attest to the joy of being met by Al’s friendly face at the airport.

This influx of Goans increased the numerical strength of GOA. (Metalia Paul recalls the women’s hockey team members savouring the thought of increasing the numbers of their team as there were a half-dozen former Uganda National players among the refugees.) The influx of Goans from Uganda in 1972 turned out to be part of a major movement of Goans in response to liberalization of Canadian immigration policy in the 70s. Between 1970 and 1975 the total population of Goans in the GTA increased from approximately 800 to 5000, with many Goans coming from Burma, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Malawi, the Middle East, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia among others. Today [1995] the population in the GTA stands at around 10000.

Remembering the KGI

I cannot let this centenary go by without saying what

the Kampala Goan Institute meant to me. My parents left their beloved Goa, India, to start a new life and family in Kampala, Uganda. Neither of them could have anticipated

30 2010 KGI Centenary Brochure the culture shock of a new country and the adjustments they would have to make. They had left their relatives and friends behind and were now in a strange land, with no connection to the people they were meeting.

My dad quickly sought out a few other families who were in a similar predicament, and was then introduced to the KGI. Slowly they built relationships and as the family grew, they quickly settled into their new way of life. Not only did they enjoy the benefits of being a member of the Club, but we, their five daughters, continued to reap the benefits until the famous Idi Amin Exodus.

The KGI was not just a social entity. It was a forum for culture, education, sports and much, much more. There were good times, great times and not so good times. Its

greatest achievement was the lasting friendships it created. To-date, members all over the world have a very strong bond and camaraderie. We are like one big extended family. It is truly amazing that what the founder members envisioned as a place to meet, is filled, one hundred years later, with happy memories and yet sadness, not knowing the fate of the building they worked so hard to build. While we all have moved on in our new country, the KGI will always have a special place in our hearts. “May you never forget what is worth remembering, nor ever remember what is best forgotten” Greta Dias (nee George)

Poly Pereira, Our Hero

Poly Pereira was the hockey hero of my youth. Whether he was playing for the Kampala Goan Institute, Entebbe Goan Institute, or the Uganda National team, he was a delight to watch. The highlights were his humour, stick-work, teamwork and sportsmanship. I cannot ever remember him initiating “dirty” play, and yet he would score goals. He was quick thinking with a bit of mischief never total out of his mind. My favourite memory was this match of the KGI versus Sikh Union around 1968 on the KGI field at Nakasero Hill. There was real confusion in the SU circle with dust all over the air, so thick that one could hardly see. (To the unfamiliar, most hockey pitches in Uganda were clay courts.) There must have been 5 KGI attackers and 5 SU defenders in that small half

circle. Neither of the umpires could see well-enough what was happening. Poly sizing up the situation deftly picked the ball in hand and tossed it into the goal. Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! None of the players will confirm this story, so you will have to trust my eyes seeing through the dust. In 1972 when Uganda sent a team to the Olympics for the first time, Poly was at 40 already past his prime. But Poly’s 70% was better than most people’s 100%, and even at 40 everybody wanted him in - and in he went. Gordie Howe would have been proud. John Nazareth

A Dance In The Goan Institute

A dance in a Goan Institute used to be rather formal. The dance usually starts at 9 p.m., which means that the band starts playing around nine-thirty and couples start drifting in at a quarter-to-ten.

The People are semi-formally dressed in attractive dresses or suits. The couples sit on chairs placed around the dance floor or around small tables. If they sit around the dance floor, the men usually vanish to the bar. They then hold their drinks and watch from the side-lines until somebody gathers up the nerve to commence dancing.

Then the men go up to the ladies of their choice (they dance with the wife first) and say, "May I have the next dance, please?" The reply is usually, "Yes," in which case they go around the floor in varying degrees of happiness. (Not Fortunato D'Mello, who never took up dancing. When I asked him why, he said that he one day counted the number of times a couple went round the dance floor. He then estimated the length and breadth of the floor. After which, he calculated

that a couple moved 17 miles round the floor during that dance. "All that distance and they got nowhere," he said).

The band plays a set of three pieces-say three quicksteps. Each piece lasts three or four minutes. The band takes a break and the couples return to their seats, the men saying "Thank you very much" and "May I get you a drink?"

Then the next dance starts-a set of three foxtrots. And the dancing starts. A break. A set of three rhumbas. Break. Three Shake/Soul. Break. A mild set of African dances. Break.

There is no eroticism in Goan dances. Rather, whatever eroticism exists is submerged and can only be detected when a wolf like Joaquim D'Costa is dancing with a long-married lady. And there is no break in the civilised behaviour, except for the inevitable fight around the bar, which ends by somebody bringing the warring factions together over a drink or by somebody being thrown out.

An extract from the novel “In A Brown Mantle” by Peter Nazareth. The novel was prophetic about the Expulsion. It was published by the East African Literature Bureau and was launched in Kampala two weeks before the Expulsion was announced.

2010 KGI Centenary Brochure 31 THE BANDS THAT MADE OUR DANCES SWING

BENNETT DIAS AND THE DIATONES RHYTHM KINGS ORCHESTRA

THE MELODY MAKERS MELODY MAKERS

THE DRIFTERS

We regret not having a picture of “Nobby & His Band”, probably the greatest band of its time. Its members were Nobby De Souza (Guitar), Pela (trumpet), Anthony De Mello (saxophone), Henry Rodrigues (bass), BA Leitao (drums). Many of them can be seen playing with some of the other bands whose pictures are here.

32 2010 KGI Centenary Brochure A Dance In The Goan Institute - Continued In many cases, at the end of a Saturday night dance, when there was no cricket match scheduled for the next day, Sunday, and the dance ended at 5.00AM, quite a few fun loving bachelors would stay behind and with the help of a couple of the single girls alternately playing the piano, they would continue singing their hearts out with their favourite songs, and have loads of fun and laughter right until the break of dawn, and then go straight for the 7.00AM Mass before going home to bed! Al Mathias

Michael Texeira - KGI's and one of East Africa's finest Sportsmen Michael Texeira, to my recollection, is one of KGI's

and East Africa's finest sportsmen! The rarely accomplished bowling feat of 10 wickets in an innings, and for 42 runs, against a well known Kampala club, as printed in the Uganda Argus below took place on July 25th, 1959. And it would be difficult to find any comparable achievement!

Whenever Michael went in to bat, no matter if it was a club match or a quadrangular game, there were cheers from the non-partisan crowds: "Texeira, Texeira", because they wanted to see the excitement of his batting skills, and there was great expectation. And Michael rarely disappointed the crowds. His batting was a pure delight to watch, whether it was a scintillating carpet drive to mid-off or mid-on, or a well-timed glance down the leg for four or a square cut way past the third man or a mighty loft for six - all these brought the crowds to their feet shouting encouragement for more! Everybody in Uganda knew Texeira! And his walk to the batting crease was always cheered because no matter whether he faced a fast bowler or a spinner, his batting was a sheer delight! He has indeed scored many runs but I have no records at hand.

My most vivid memory of him was when we faced the "mighty" European Team in the Triangular cricket tournament played on a neutral ground, the Jinja Recreation Club, in 1953. The duo of McAdam and Wild were at the peak of their careers with the new "swing" bowling in vogue. The Goan team went in to bat and lost a quick wicket at 11 runs. Michael, who usually came in to bat two or three down, was sent after we lost the first wicket. And true to his reputation, Michael did not waste time - McAdam or Wild, in-swing or out-swing, Michael hit them all over the field to the great delight of the whole crowd! His 50 runs in 20 minutes was a record for a game of that stature! And I watched all this at close quarters, since I was the batsman at the other end, quietly holding up my end while Michael did all the devastation! He was finally caught at deep third man by the opposing team captain, Col. Bill Gordon, but not before he had set the stage for the other batsmen, like John Sequeira who followed him and scored 133 runs, to carry on piling on the runs. Needless to say we beat the European XI in that 3-day match, what a victory! And that win resulted in the Goans being named: the "Giant Killers"!

Michael was a slim and wiry sportsman, with exceptionally strong wrists, never failing in stamina and he had tremendous hand-eye coordination. He put variety in his bowling and often confused the opposing batsman by varying his pace. He controlled his length beautifully and if he placed one of us fielders to stand close to the batsman, we could be sure that he was very cognizant of our safety and his bowling

reflected that. Michael has captained the Uganda Goan XI and represented the Uganda Goans on several occasions and also represented the Uganda National Cricket team, together with John Sequeira (affectionately known as "Chuck"), for several years.

In hockey, he was the KGI centre half. And untiring player who helped offense and defense and his pushes to the wingers were a delight. His stick work and tackling skills were crafty and, as centre half, his distribution of the ball created the required openings for our forwards. He did not have to take a big swing to hit the ball to the "outers", one

strong push through the gaps with those strong wrists and the winger was off the mark! Michael represented Uganda and an East African XI in the late 40s.

To many of us, hockey and cricket players, who came after him, he was our shining example, one to emulate! He was a true sportsman on and off the field; he played hard and most importantly, he played clean! Socially, he was a good dancer and possessed an excellent singing voice, composing his own songs when posted to the border Customs posts.Michael now lives in Mississauga and has completed 92 years. We wish him all the very best of health and happiness. Al Mathias

2010 KGI Centenary Brochure 33 MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES BY/ABOUT MEMBERS AND THEIR DESCENDANTS

A Search for an Identity: Catholic Goans - How they fit in a predominantly Hindu India. This paper resulted from a detailed examination,

including historical events, of the path that led Catholic Goans to where they are today. I undertook to write this paper because I realized while studying the Anthropology of South East Asia, in particular India, I knew very little about India and even less about Goa and belonging to what J. Correia Afonso S.J. noted as "this sub-culture called Christian Goan" it was something I thought I should explore. I was also curious to find out what place a Catholic Goan had in a Hindu state and nation. What was / is the connection?

I had always argued that Catholic Goans did not have a unique culture, in the sense defined by noted anthropologist, E.B.Tylor, that culture is something that "…. includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law customs and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society" (Daniels, 1996: 194). I believe that tradition and culture are not the same thing but are often spoke of as being one and the same. Traditions are practices that are passed down from generation to generation and they may change in certain aspects through the course of time but the foundation will always remain the same, much like a Christmas tree which may be decorated differently every year, but the tree, the foundation, is still the same. Culture on the other hand is not something fixed. It is always evolving and changing as new ideas, influences and experiences are introduced to a society. For example, a Catholic Goan in Goa has a different "culture" from a Catholic Goan in Bombay as a Catholic Goan in England has a different "culture" from Catholic Goan in Uganda, because all of them have been exposed to different influences in their respective social environments. The socio-cultural environment of each will determine their behaviours and practices and no two will be exactly alike. Daniels said culture has a dialogic aspect, it is not a given, but something that is co-created between peoples in close contact. (198).

It was not enough to start this paper with the conquest by Portugal in 1510 because Goa and its people existed long before that. In order to answer the questions I had with respect to Catholic Goans in Goa and their relation to Hindu Goans and the rest of India, where they came from and their "unique culture " I had to examine Goa's history from the beginning. O.J.F Gomez noted that there is a "woeful lack of information regarding Goa". This lack of information has also led to a lack of knowledge amongst Goans in the diaspora about their own heritage. Not too long ago most people did not know where Goa was and, if they did, it was often known as a Portuguese outpost or a place where the hippies of the 60s went to party and obtain cheap drugs. Today it is famous for its beaches, a very popular tourist destination. Robert S. Newman once said that he " .. ..realized that Goa, as in such places as Mexico and Mauritius (just to name a couple), contact between two civilizations had created a fascinating synthesis, one that had been steadfastly slighted by anthropologists, who wanted to study "pure" India ...."(Peace Corp website, 2003). South Asian studies have on the whole ignored Goa for reasons unknown to me. However, I submit

that the study of Goa would add another interesting dimension to an already diverse India. Goa has endured many conquests has been under foreign rule for a longer period of time than any other state in India. If anthropology is the study of the human condition and socio-anthropology is the study of human society and behaviours, then Goa has a wealth of as yet unexplored avenues to offer for study . One such example would be the effect of liberation on Goan society from Portuguese rule. Was it liberation or just an exchange of masters? Another interesting study would be the effects of the increased tourism and development on the local population.

For 450 years Catholic Goans lived in a relatively stable society. Outside influences, other than that of the Portuguese, were minimal. The early 20th century saw an increase in emigration of Goans, Catholic and Hindu, to other parts of India, British Africa, and the Middle East. When they returned to Goa they brought with them new habits, practices and ideas but their effect was minimal on the local culture. Since 1961, with liberation, Goa has undergone many changes and Catholic Goans are increasingly becoming a very small minority. Urbanization and development continues to cause the displacement of local people from their natal villages and has brought an influx of people from other Indian states looking for work in the expanding tourist trade. Tourism has also brought in non-Indian investors and retirees looking for "holiday homes", all at the expense of the indigenous Goan population.

Hindu influence in Goa has increased, religiously, politically and economically. Catholic Goans are no longer "the privileged" they were under Portuguese rule and they co-exist relatively peacefully with their fellow Goans, be they Hindu or Muslim. Today Catholicism is still very much a part of Goa and therefore, by extension, India. However, if Catholic Goans in Goa are to continue to enjoy religious freedom and the rich syncretic heritage they have developed, traditions and histories should be passed on from one generation to the next, not just in India but all over the world. They must also continue to be open to new peoples, growing and changing as the world around them changes, but with a view to preserving and protecting their heritage, their traditions and values in the face of those who would deny them their rightful place in Goa, India and hence their identity.

As I noted before, before I started this paper I was happy thinking I knew a lot about Goa and who Goans were because my family is Goan and I have visited Goa a few times. I soon came to realize I knew as little as, and in some cases much less , than those people I spoke to, those to whom I proclaimed myself a "proud Goan". I have learned much, not just from other Goans who were kind enough to guide me but also non-Goans who educated me on who Goans are and what it means to be a Goan. I can now say with justifiable pride that I am a Goan with a rich history and heritage and I belong to an ancient civilization, not unlike

34 2010 KGI Centenary Brochure that of the Chinese. Goa is part of the Indian civilization that has lasted centuries while other, so called "Great Civilizations" like that of the Romans and Greeks, crumbled. To quote a friend "A Goan is an Indian, but like no other

Indian". The writing of this paper has not only helped me understand and place my ethnicity in India but it has also helped me discover an identity.

Extract of a paper prepared by Giselle Dias in 2007 for a degree program in the University of Toronto. For full article go to the link: http://www.goatoronto.com/images/stories/stock/catholic-goan-research-paper.pdf

THE ORIGIN OF THE GOMESI/BUSUUTI The Gomesi or Busuuti (as the dress is alternatively

known) is the defacto national dress of Uganda. It is an elegant and colourful floor-length dress. However, up to now anyone who peruses through the web for the origins of the dress would be unclear as to when it was designed - dates vary between 1905 and the 1940s - and who exactly designed it other than it was a man called Gomes. When Ella and John Gomes asked me to write an article about the Gomesi and the part played by their father, Caetano Milagres Gomes (CM), I thought that it was all quite straightforward. Instead, it turned out to be a detective story and the process of finding out turned out to be quite exciting. So come and journey with me. When was it designed and by whom?

The story starts out with the birth of Gayaza High School1 in 1905 and Miss Alfreda Allen, the Headmistress asking a tailor, Mr. Gomes to design a uniform for her girls.

Reading through an article based on an interview with CM Gomes2, he appeared to be unclear about whether it was he or his elder brother Anton Gloria Gomes (AG), both of whom were working together, who designed the dress. CM recalled that it was his elder brother AG who talked to Miss Allen as AG was already stitching uniforms for Gayaza when CM first came to Kampala to join his brother in 1908. But in that same interview his memory gave indirect clues as to when and how the dress came to be.

So the earliest that the Gomesi could have been designed was in 1905 as that was when Gayaza High School opened. However, Gayaza first used the “suuka”3 4made of bark-cloth as a school dress in 1905. Furthermore AG Gomes first came to Uganda from Goa India in 1905 as well, and would have just started his tailoring business, so it is unlikely that it was designed then. Sometime between 1905 and 1908 Ms Allen approached AG Gomes to make a “suuka” of cotton as it was more durable. The next phase came to resolve the problem of the “suuka” unraveling when the students were

1 Gayaza High School was formed as a boarding school for girls by Anglican lay missionaries. 2 A short interview by the Uganda Argus with Mr. CM Gomes in December 1967. 3 “Gayaza High School – The First Ninety Years” – Edited by Joan Cox, Brenda Richards and Sheelagh Warren. 4 Also, interesting letter by Mr. S. J. Luyimbazi-Zake’s letter to Uganda Argus in December 1967.

doing manual work, so Miss Allen sought a better design to preserve the modesty of the pupils5. AG did that by adding a yoke to the design6.

In the interview7 with CM Gomes, he recalled clearly that the Gomesi did not become popular with the masses until the wife of Kabaka Daudi Chwa II wore it for the Kabaka’s coronation – and it was he that had stitched her dress. That the Kabaka’s future wife, Irene Drusilla Namaganda, came to Gomes to stitch her dress was not as surprising as it may seem at first. According to Cox et al “… and when the Kabaka was looking for a wife, it was to Gayaza that he came …”8 As a former student of Gayaza, Miss Namaganda would have known the Gomes brothers well.

The Gomesi has some aspects of Victorian/Edwardian dresses (those puffed sleeves) and some aspects of the sari that Gomes was familiar with from his homeland – Goa, India. A sash was also added around the waist to accentuate the feminine figure. The embellishment of the original school uniform would only make sense - if the Kabaka’s queen was going to use it, CM wanted something special.

Kabaka Chwa’s coronation took place in 1914 and hence it is this year that should be honoured as the birth-year of the Gomesi.

So the design of the dress came about because history brought together the Gomes brothers, Miss Allen and Miss Namaganda – and CM Gomes had the honour of stitching that first dress. It is possible that the design evolved further after 1914. The Gomes Brothers and Their Descendants

A short history of the Gomes’ Tailors shop - AG Gomes came to Uganda in 1905 and started a tailoring business in the corner of a store in the district of Mengo. In 1908, after CM Gomes joined his brother, a store was opened under the sign-board “A.G. Gomes & Brother”. AG Gomes died in 1928, leaving the business and his three children in the care of his brother CM Gomes. AG’s wife also died

5 Ibid Footnote 3. 6 According to Ella Gomes, this is what her father told her. 7 Ibid Footnote ii plus recollections from Ella and John Gomes. 8 Ibid Footnote 3.

CM GOMES IN 1981

2010 KGI Centenary Brochure 35 suddenly, three months after her husband. Gayaza’s uniforms were all stitched at the store for many years. In 1918, the store moved to Kampala Road opposite the Uganda Herald office. The final location was on Kampala Road opposite the Kampala Institute. After two robberies at the store, the business closed down in the late 1960’s.

In 1972 during the Expulsion of Asians from Uganda, CM Gomes and his children Marcella and Mathew (now deceased), Roger and Ella (and later his son John) moved to Toronto, Canada to join his daughter Julie who had married John D’Sa and moved there a few years earlier. CM’s wife Anna had died in Kampala in 1955. CM Gomes died in

Toronto in 1981. Besides his six children, he had six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, all of whom live in Canada.

AG Gomes and his wife Felecidade had 3 children Joseph, Placido and Antoinette – all of whom have passed away. He has nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren that live across the United Kingdom, Kenya and the USA.

The Gomes family members were very proud and honoured at hearing that a postage stamp had been issued in Uganda in December 2007 to celebrate the “Gomesi”.

Extract of an article first published by John Nazareth in the Uganda newspaper “New Visions” on 25 April 2010. Link: http://www.sundayvision.co.ug/detail.php?mainNewsCategoryId=7&newsCategoryId=651&newsId=717398

KITANTE PICNIC


REMEMBERING THE UGANDA ASIAN EXPULSION OF 1972

In August 1972 we had just returned from a driving holiday, my friends Ralph Cordeiro, Colin Franco, Maurice Fernandes and I. We had been in neighbouring Kenya taking in Nairobi and Mombasa. Cynthia, my girlfriend (and future wife) had a few days earlier left on a holiday to the UK. We were still in a holiday spirit returning from Jinja from Ken Antao's 21st Birthday Party in Jinja when we caught a snippet on the radio "President Amin has a dream ... Asians are to be expelled from Uganda". We don't think much of it - must be some joke. But as the days passed it slowly sank in.

I was working for the Ministry of Finance and Planning as a Statistician. At a young age I was in charge of collecting and publishing Uganda's trade statistics, preparing background to the national Budget; it was a great job and times were good. I was contributing to my country in a way I did not think possible. I was a first class citizen with no complaints.

Socially, life was also good. I was the Sports Secretary and Hockey Captain of the Entebbe [formerly "Goan"] Institute. Everything centred around the Club. We were still primarily involved with Goans, but Uganda was integrating. I had studied at an African Highschool (St Mary's College) run by Canadian missionaries, and attended Makerere University there with African colleagues. Africans members constituted 30% of the Entebbe Institute - primarily Civil Servants as Entebbe was the centre of the government. In addition to Goans, we had every kind of members: every tribe of Uganda (Baganda, Basoga, Luo, etc), all types of other Indians (Ismailis, Boras, Gujaratis, Sikhs, etc.), and others (British, Israelis, ...) Friendship was quickly becoming raceless. Indeed, the newly elected President of the club, Dr Peter Tukei, would have been elected regardless of the Expulsion; he was a very popular person and had previously been Vice-President.

Life during the Expulsion turned upside down. Times were tough; but in a strange way it was a happy period, an intense period. We truly lived like there was no tomorrow. Most of my family members were Uganda citizens, we thought we would be staying. But my mother, my aunt and many other would be leaving. (My mum and [late] dad had always thought that they were "too old" to be taking on a new citizenship, not fully realizing then the implications.) And for citizens, we still had to go through the process of verifying our citizenship. The Uganda government took every technicality to take away our citizenship.

I remember queuing outside the Immigration department, sleeping on the streets for 36 hours with my two brothers and sister, brother-in-law and friends. My brother Peter was subdued. His Renunciation of British Citizenship had been mishandled by the Uganda government several years ago as he had been one of the first to become Ugandan. He expected trouble, and was right; his citizenship was withdrawn. My sister Ruth lost her citizenship on some pretext. I almost lost mine because I only had a photocopy of my citizenship,

and the officer almost tore it up. I pleaded for time to find the original, noticing from the corner of my eye an old classmate from St. Mary’s College as immigration officer two booths down. I rushed over to him: "Hey Katabula, are you there". "Hey Nazareth, throw it over." Stamp! Stamp! My brother David and I were verified. Peter was subsequently exempted from the Expulsion as he held a senior government post, also in the Ministry of Finance. Ruth could stay as her husband Cyril had his citizenship verified, but she had to resign from her job. Given that I had thrown in my lot with Africans, this was a heartbreak.

And so it went with everyone. And the deadline approached.

If it were not so serious the Expulsion could be funny. President Amin would one day be expelling more and more categories of people, and the next day his ministers would be exempting more and more subcategories, being horrified at the loss to the country. One day it was British Asians, another day all Asians - citizens included. Several Ugandans implored President Amin not to expel citizens. President Nyerere of Tanzania offered to take in any Ugandan citizen who was expelled. President Amin relented and we were allowed to stay.

But with so many losing their citizenship, what to do? The Goans met at the Kampala [Goan] Institute to discuss strategy. The meeting was being led by senior members of the community like Neru Rodrigues, Mark Vaz and Aloysius Lobo. The Goan Association used its saved funds to pay for fares out of Uganda for the poor. My brother Peter and I formed the centre of those who wanted to stay. We thought that we should form a group to fight back for the citizenships lost. It ended with us fully expecting a core of us to remain behind.

Then in September 1972 came the UN to take stateless people, and Canada to take anybody (ie regardless of citizenship) who wanted to leave and who qualified. All of a sudden there was a new game in town. Everybody was going to leave now. Well almost everybody. My family stubbornly decided to stay put.

Meanwhile my Permanent Secretary (Deputy Minister) I.K. Kabanda called me to his office and said "John, I want you to know that not all Africans hate you. We hope and pray that this will soon be all over so that you can lead a normal life. You can come in to work when you wish, and leave when you wish." I will never forget his graciousness (and made it a point to seek him out when I returned to Uganda 21 years later).

Young as I was (25 years) I ended up being the Club volunteer barman, together with Claude De Souza. The bar - the centre of stories. Chris Ssengendo was there one night with his cousin visiting from Kampala. His cousin's eyes were red. I inquire with Chris. "Don't ask. He works at the dreaded Makinde Prison. He had orders to spend all of last night executing [political] prisoners with a hammer to the head." We Asians were being expelled, but black Ugandans were being slaughtered.


Everyone is leaving as the deadline approaches. Cousin Joan and Tom Francis are getting married, rush to Christ the King Church. Later, on the way back to Entebbe from Kampala, hear that Flora and Ludger Gomes are getting married. Rush to Sacred Heart Church in Entebbe. Make it in time - and Flora asks me to be Ludger's Bestman.

And finally the November 5, 1972 deadline arrives. So many friends have left. I have already tearfully wished my mother goodbye - she left for Kuala Lumpur Malaysia (where she has many brothers and sisters) and my Aunt Lily, for Goa. We register at the Entebbe Club Cricket Pavilion, as all “exempted” Asians have to.

Past the Deadline, a strange calm has descended. There are still around 5000 Asians left in Uganda who have been exempted. The Africans have a quiet admiration for those who stay behind in spite of all the harassment. But now is when the killing of Black Ugandans starts in earnest. One gets used to seeing bodies by the roadside every day. A friend, Godfrey Kiggala is killed because President Amin likes his girlfriend. In May 1973 I travel to Goa for the first time. Cynthia and I get civilly married in Goa where her parents are resident (having retired and left Uganda just 6 months before the Expulsion). I hope to take her back to Uganda later to marry in Church. I return to Uganda to work out everything.

As June 1973 rolls in, more Goans have left and soon there are now just three Goans left in Entebbe: Arthur De Mello, my brother-in-law Cyril Fernandes and I - and we were all staying in the same house. My brother Peter left to take up a Fellowship at Yale, brother David left to marry his girlfriend

Lydia in Canada, sister Ruth left to join my mother (now in London) ahead of Cyril. Now it dawns on me how much Goans mean to me. I had always taken them for granted as I had various friends of all races, and had come to accept myself as an African. I still have a lot of friends in the Institute, but all of a sudden the Goans are gone, and it feels like the death of a parent; the friends cannot fully compensate.

In September 1973 I left Uganda, taking a two-years of Leave of Absence to do postgraduate studies. I went through Goa, getting married to Cynthia at St. Jerome’s Church in Mapusa. We then proceeded to the UK where I studied for a year at the London School of Economics and obtained a Post-graduate Diploma in Statistics. The situation in Uganda had now taught me to hedge. I was hoping that President Amin would be overthrown while I was studying. But just in case, I decided to apply for Canada from the UK as most of my family and wife’s family had gravitated there. We were accepted. But I had heard a lot of the need for "Canadian experience", so I completed my Masters in Mathematical Statistics from the University of Toronto instead of the LSE.

It is June 1975 and as my studies at the U of T are at an end I realize that President Amin is there to stay. With a heavy heart I finally send in my letter of resignation to the Ministry of Finance, thanking them for giving me an opportunity to serve my country. A tear rolled down my cheek. John H. Nazareth Toronto, 1994

THE GOAN LEGACY... LIVING ON IN UGANDA (Esther Namugoji, in New Vision)

They owned bakeries, bars and contributed significantly to Uganda's civil service, education and economy. When President Idi Amin ordered Asians out of Uganda in 1972, many Goans were allowed to stay, but only a handful remained. They left homes, properties and businesses behind. Even when offered a chance to return, they were not willing, but their legacy lives on, Esther Namugoji writes.

My heels make a resounding echo in the narrow hall as I cross the wood parquet floor. I have walked this hall before, crossing quickly with literature books under my arm and the next lesson in mind. This building houses a secondary school on week days, and social events on weekend nights. Some years ago, I used to moonlight here two days a week as a teacher, little knowing the rich history that these walls have kept secret for more than a century. Standing here, I am transported more than 100 years back to when Indians of Goan origin owned and patronised this place. Wedding parties, children's Christmas plays, end of year dances and solemn mass prayers were held within these walls for almost 70 years.

The grassy lot outside was used for games and sports like hockey, football and tennis. This building was first set up in 1905 by Indians originally from the south eastern state of Goa

as the Entebbe Goan Institute. It served as a meeting place for social and religious functions before former President Idi Amin forced Asians out of Uganda in 1972. It had changed names in the late 1960s to the Entebbe Institute. Today, it is simply known as the Institute and it serves as a school building for Entebbe Central Academy. In those days, most Ugandans could distinguish Abagowa from other Asians, mainly because they attended mass in the Catholic churches like Bugonga Church in Entebbe and St. Fatima in Jinja. The Entry

Not all Asians came to Uganda with the extension of the East African Railway line into Uganda. The first Goans arrived in the country by sea to Mombasa, used bullock-drawn carts or walked the 400 miles to Kisumu from where they canoed into Entebbe at Kigungu landing site. They were cooks, butlers, tailors, carpenters and a few were educated and ran businesses. This was in the mid-1880s. According to Fernandes, the Portuguese occupation of Goa was oppressive and this drove the natives to flee their state. Many would leave for other parts of India, Asia, Arabia and even Africa. Many Goans lived in Zanzibar, Mombasa, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia before 1900. Other accounts link the Goan migration into East Africa to the relationship with the

38 2010 KGI Centenary Brochure British dating back to Lord Arthur Wellesley's army during the Napoleonic era which had two companies composed of Goans.

The Uganda Railway also brought in a fair number of Goans. They easily worked as cooks because they were not vegetarians and could also cook European cuisine. Many were butlers, bakers, messengers and clerks. When the railway started running, the catering on the coaches was almost exclusively done by Goans and they later flourished as restaurateurs.

A number of Goans from the Royal Navy after World War I also moved to East Africa with their families in the 1920s and 1930s. The earlier generation sent their children to study in India. This second generation would return after school and became the backbone of Uganda's first civil service. They worked in the colonial government mostly as accountants, clerks and customs officers.

When Idi Amin ordered Asians out, he exempted those in the public service, most of whom were Goans. However, between November 1972 and April 1973, most of the remaining Goans left the country and only a handful stayed. In the 1980s when Milton Obote was President the second time, the Departed Asians' Property Act was enacted and some Asians started to return around this time. Interestingly, not one Goan came back to live in Uganda. This should not be surprising, considering that they were mostly in the civil service rather than in business. Hence, they only had a few businesses or property to return to. Another factor was that when they left Uganda for other countries, they were able to get good jobs since they had been working under the British government service and had somewhat universal skills.

New Generation The majority of Goans living in Uganda today are a new

generation, coming straight from India. Most of them are in business, unlike the colonial generation. They are still good in the food business evidenced by restaurateurs like Jerry Pacheco. He first travelled to Tanzania in 1997 to set up restaurants. He moved to Nairobi and then to Kampala in 1999. He set up The Coconut Shack restaurant on DewintonRoad, and recently set up another Coconut Shack serving Goan cuisine in Muyenga.

According to Pacheco, as in those early days, Goans take the time to socialise. They meet at church and at festivals and family ceremonies. As in the past, music, dance and food play a central role in reliving the dreams of Goa. Fish and chicken

curries with rice and coconut still play a starring role in the food preparations. Pork dishes are well loved, as are a number of home made sweets in the old tradition. "Goans are talented musicians. Almost every other adult can play the violin which is the king of instruments. If you can play it, then the rest are easy. A wedding does not end until there is a dance," says Alex Ramos who came from India in 1995. His friend, Diago D'Mello also came from India. He runs D'Mello's Indian Restaurant in Nakasero and a spare parts shop. D'Mello says Goans are God-fearing, sincere and trustworthy and that is why they made good civil servants. Goans are always on the move, and it appears that in the recent years some have been leaving Uganda for other lands.

Even Joseph Almeida, the long serving headmaster of Buganda Road Primary School and recently Lohana Academy, decided to retire in India.

Did you know?

• Goans left a certain ethic in the civil service that has not been replicated by succeeding Ugandans. Whereas Goans were known for their integrity, the civil service, after their expulsion, almost collapsed. But also persistent vices like ghost workers, bribery and late coming have plagued government offices up to now.

• The popularity of sports like cricket and hockey became widespread through the sportsmanship of Goans alongside other Indians. The first hockey club in Uganda back in the 1920s was formed by Goans and the hockey team to the 1972 Olympics was bolstered greatly by Goans.

• Even today, the $200,000 worth cricket Astroturf at Lugogo owes its glory to the hard fundraising work of Arthur D'Mello, one of the few who stayed in Entebbe through the Amin years.

• He passed on last year, leaving the mantle to another Goan, Basil Lobo, who recently handed over as treasurer of the Uganda Cricket Association.

• Although rarely discussed, there are also descendants born of Ugandan mothers dotted around the country, marked by distinct light skin and/or unique surnames.

Extract of an article first published in New Vision on: Saturday, November 8, 2008. http://www.newvision.co.ug/

ODDS AND ENDS ON THE ASIAN EXPULSION OF 1972 How Hockey Determined the Number of Asian Refugees Accepted By Canada

According to Roger St. Vincent the team leader of the Canadian Mission to Uganda, Canada issued visas for 6292 people (dependants included). The final number that came to Canada was 6145. (“Seven Crested Cranes – Asian Exodus From Uganda – Perspectives in Canadian Immigration Series”.) However, few people know that Canada initial

intended to take just 3000 people and how they ended up accepting 6000.

At the 25th Anniversary of the Expulsion at a symposium was organized at York University a senator spoke on the subject. He explained that the Expulsion occurred at the same time as Canada and Russia were playing their historic series of

2010 KGI Centenary Brochure 39 [Ice] Hockey games. A dinner had been organized for the Aga Khan who played a significant role in pursuading Prime Minister Trudeau to accept Ugandan refugees, and at this dinner Canada was to tell the Aga Khan the final number.

The dinner occurred during one of the matches. Everyone in Canada wanted to watch this game, so all the senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs pulled rank and forced the junior officers to attend instead. Among these junior officers was this future senator. Not wanting to miss out on the game, the officers arranged with one of the waiters to come in and indicate the score every time one of the teams scored – the Russia’s score by fingers raised on the left hand and Canada’s by fingers raised on the right.

The dinner and hockey game were both going well. At the appropriate point the Aga Khan asked the official how many refugees they had decided to take. Before the official could answer the waiter came in holding up three fingers on each hand (score tied 3-3). The Aga Khan saw the waiter and understood that Canada had decided to take 6000 refugees.

The Minister was now in a quandary. Should he explain the misunderstanding and thus tacitly admit that Canadians were more interested in hockey than the plight of the refugees, or should he let the number stand. He chose to take the 6000.

The Smell of The Expulsion Here’s a little story of Mr Cota (name disguised) who was having his application to come to Canada processed while in Kampala. At 2pm he got to the point where he had to go his medicals and had to, among other things, provide a stool specimen. “What was I to do? I’m at 8:00am man; I could get nothing at 2:00pm. Then I saw Larry (name disguised). He’s always full of sh..t, so I took his sample.”

By chance I met the organizer of the Canadian Mission Roger St.Vincent 30 years later and related the story to him. He told me that that was only half the story. “We tried to persuade Ottawa to waive the requirement for stool and urine samples as there was no way to examine them. But they would not bend. Can you imagine, we had to store all these samples in a tent in the hot tropical sun. Nobody wanted to enter that tent.”

Editor’s Note It was a struggle and a delight to put together the stories of the Kampala Goan Institute in words and pictures. It brought to mind especially the two years 1956/57 when my father, Mr. PCSC Nazareth was posted to Kampala and I lived as a young child going to Norman Godinho School and having fun at the KGI. Several people helped produce articles and provide pictures that went into the website and the Centenary Booklet. Not all the articles could be included in the Booklet mainly because in certain categories we just did not have enough material to do justice to the topic. We apologize to those who took the trouble to send us this information. But this Booklet is not the end of the story. We intend to continue to collect these stories so that we can include them on our website, and/or find some way to publish the material in the months to come. So please continue to send us articles, stories, notes, on people from the KGI (or their descendants) who you think were/are special. Send them in even if you are not sure they are from the KGI – we are interested in those stories anyway. Send articles to me at [email protected]. KGI Website: www.kampalagoaninstitute.com


LIST OF ATTENDEES Almeida Baldwin (USA) Almeida Delia (Uganda) Almeida Elsa Almeida Norma/Guy Lagace (PQ) Almeida Rhea (USA) Almeida Sandra Almeida Sonia/Ron Crane Almeida Tony/Zulema Antao Dr. Viola/Jon Serio Antao-Vaithilingam Virginia Barretto Andrew V./Annie Borges Edwin J./Norma Braganza Anthony/Anne Braganza Dolly Braganza Jerry/Rita(NS) Carneiro John/Angela (UK) Carvalho Christine/Joan DeSouza Clutton Rowena/Carl Coelho Ignatius/Roma Collaco Roland /Eurema & Fly. Correa Evarist/Sandra Correa Robert/Joyce/Cheryl(Quebec) Correa Sheena/Cheryl Correia Melba (Mombasa) Da Costa Bernard/Jacinthe (Ottawa) Da Costa Doyle/ Angela/Kevin(Ottawa) Da Costa Elma & Family Da Costa Pamela Da Costa Ruth (Australia) Da Costa Valerie Da Cunha Dr. Raquel Da Cunha Vasco Da Silva Dr. Terence/Wanda Da Silva Joe D'Costa Mario/Evelyn& Fly. D'Costa Rose Marie (Mrs) D'Cruz Beads/Simon D'Cunha Almir/Maureen D'Cunha Mervyn/Elizabeth & Fly. De Lima Reis/Daisy De Mello Jean Marie (Uganda) De Mello Mario/ Jude (N.S.) De Mello Nicky/Crescentia De Mello Nicky/Crescentia De Quadros Novarro/Sybil De Sa Benjamin/Hyacinth De Sa Derek (Thunder Bay) De Sa Elise (Thunder Bay) De Sa Freida/Dr.Vincent (Th Bay) De Sauza Neves/Zulema De Sousa George/Bernie

De Souza Alu/Connie De Souza Adrian/Rose De Souza Bertila Filomena C. De Souza Bosco De Souza Charles B./Alba De Souza Charlie/ Melba Sequeira De Souza Claude/Claire De Souza Colin/James De Souza Donat/Lucy De Souza Eric/Edith & Fly. De Souza Errol/ Yvonne De Souza Hubert/Greeba De Souza Hugh De Souza Jackson (Montreal) De Souza Karena/Bernard/Fly De Souza Lino & Fly. De Souza Margaret De Souza Maria G. De Souza Maureen/Anthony Mohan De Souza Normon De Souza Peter J/Debra De Souza Victor/Daisy(USA) Dias Matti/Barry Young Dias Celly/Edith Dias Clarence/Ursula Dias Edgar/Irene & Family Dias Ella Dias Plasido/Mrs. Judith Dias Dias Reggie/Sylvia Dias Reginald/Rina Dias Rony/Jan (USA) Dias Vivian/Greta & Fly D'Mello Felix/Harriet D'Mello Vince/Pamela D'Sa Felix/Luiza (Quebec) D'Sa John/Julie D'Sa Joseph Paul/Rose/Steven D'Souza Angelo/Stephanie D'Souza Anne D'Souza Caji (UK ) D'Souza Doris D'Souza Lucy & Family D'Souza Marian/Shaun D'Souza Myra Fernandez Albert/Nina & Fly. Fernandes Armando/Gracy & Fly. Fernandes Benny/Bella Fernandes Bernadine/Peter Fernandes Donald/Sybil Fernandes Feena Fernandes Lucia Sandra (Mrs) Fernandes Maurice (BC) Fernandes Mrs.Juliet Fernandes Peter/Ethel Fernandes Procopio/Gloria

Fernandes Ronnie Fernandes Rudy/Maureen Fernandes Shirley/Edwin Fernandes Tony/Lira Fernandes William /Carol Fernandez Cedric/Lydia Fernandez Dr. Alu/Melinda Fernandez Lino/Thelma & Fly. Fernandez Vilavia (Maria)( B.C) Flores Elsa Flores Loretta & Family Francis Errol/Delphine Francis Maggie Francis Terry/Merle Francis Tom/Joan Furtado Joe/Alvita Furtado Oscar/Dawn Baforo Furtado Seira George Essie Gomes Ella Gomes John & Roger Lobo Al/Nita Lobo Chappie(Australia) Lobo Felix/Lorna Lobo James/Fiona Lobo Jerry/Celine Lobo Joe/Fina Lobo John/Elsa & Fly. Lobo Johnny /Maura & Family Lobo Michael/Rose Lobo Vita/Clary Lobo William/Merle (BC) Machado Helena/Vincent Machado Sydney/Fabiola Maciel Frederick/Elizabeth Martins Jane/Martin Martyres Joe /Zemira (B.C.) Mascarenhas Antonio/Ruby & Fly. Mascarenhas Bruce/Brenda Mascarenhas Leena & Family Mascarenhas,Maria-Renata/Roberto Mathias Al/Edna Mathias Canute/Rosaura (UK) Mathias Carlton/Sao Jan Miranda Carmela/Blaine Miranda Caroline/Willburn Monid Rekha/Matthew Moraes George/Carmen Moraes Leo/Sheila Moraes Tim/Denise Nazareth David/Lydia Nazareth Edviges/Pamela Nazareth John/Cynthia Nichols Mike/Wendy (D'Souza) Noronha Lionel Noronha Dora/Netto

Noronha Dorothy Noronha John/Gladys Paes Blasio/Patricia Paes John & Family (Montreal) Pereira Denis/Muriel Pereira Poly/Ethel (B.C.) Pereira Robert/Gwen Pereira Tony/Flavia Pereira Trevor/Freida Pinto Allan/Imelda Pinto Antonetta Pinto David/Judy Pinto Denis/Sylvia Pinto Maurice/Rachel Pires Alan/Lavita Pires Christopher/Lovella Pires John/Clara/Sandra Pires Jose/Angela Rebello Rui/Annie Remedios Osbert/Ruth Remedios Trevor/Fermina Rodrigues Albert/Rosemarie & fly Rodrigues Connell Rodrigues Connell(Marlene De Souza) Rodrigues Edmund/Phina Rodrigues Joe/Candida (U.K) Rodrigues Joseph Anthony Rodrigues Ken/Audrey Rodrigues Milton (UK) Rodrigues Neru/ Philomen(Quebec) Rodrigues Rennie/Rose (B.C.) Rodrigues Rose & Fly. Rodrigues Tony/Bassie Rodrigues Yvonne Rohoman Jennifer/Imran Ruparelia Dr.Sudhir (Uganda Guest) Saldanha Dr. Kevin./Lisette Santiago Olympio/Socorina Sequeira Marcellino Serrao Vera & Fly. (USA) Sheppard Coral/Robert (London,Ont.) Tailor Rajni/Mrs. (Uganda Guest) Tavares Raymond/June Vaz Dr.Horace/Margaret Vaz Larry/Clare Vaz Mark/Olga (B.C.) Walsh Lorraine/Keith Yasi Joan/Nick

kgi brochure

Documents